Lower Cape Fear LifeCare raises more than $15 million for expanded services

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Lower Cape Fear LifeCare announced it has closed its “Sharing the Journey” capital campaign after raising more than $15 million, surpassing its original goal.

The nonprofit said the campaign is the largest fundraising effort in its 46-year history and will support four focus areas: Memory Partners Dementia Support, hospice care centers, supportive programming, and LifeCare Scholars. The organization said the initiatives are aimed at expanding access to care, education and support regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said a major milestone of the campaign was a $5.1 million grant from The Endowment to expand LifeCare Memory Partners’ services in New Hanover County, including caregiver support, respite services, education and access for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

“This campaign was never just about dollars raised,” Gwen Whitley, president and CEO of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, said in a statement. “It was about trust. It was about our community coming together to say that compassionate care matters, that families should not walk these journeys alone, and that dignity belongs to everyone.”

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said the funds will support long-term sustainability for expanding services, including palliative medicine, dementia support, hospice care, grief and veterans programming, and workforce development through LifeCare Scholars.