Foundation News

Hope Lodge Expansion Dream Becomes Reality

CHARLESTON, SC—November 30—More out-of-town cancer patients will be able to have a home away from home during their treatments thanks to Irwin ("Ike") and Carol Belk's recent allocation of their $2.8 million endowment through the American Cancer Society Foundation, which includes all principal and earnings of ten years, to complete the expansion of the American Cancer Society Charleston Hope Lodge. The Charlotte residents recognized the vital role the Charleston Hope Lodge plays in the treatment process of cancer patients. This contribution will represent the overall campus naming opportunity.

"My intent is to give back to South Carolina and North Carolina because the Belk Department Stores were founded in the Carolinas," indicated Ike Belk, of the Belk Group. "I am pleased that this donation will complete the Hope Lodge in Charleston and provide housing for South Carolinians who are undergoing treatment at Charleston Hospitals."

Among his many achievements, Ike Belk, an American Cancer Society volunteer for more than three decades to date, is also a former president of the American Cancer Society North Carolina Division and past president of the American Cancer Society Foundation. Serving as an American Cancer Society Foundation trustee since 1993, Belk established the Carol Grotnes Belk Endowment for Cancer Control in the Carolinas through the Foundation over ten years ago, in honor of his wife Carol. A retired officer and director of The Belk Group of Stores, which operates department stores throughout the southeastern United States, Belk's career also includes serving as a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and state senator.

Hope Lodge is a project unique to the American Cancer Society, providing free, unlimited housing for cancer patients and their caregivers in a home-like, emotionally supportive environment. The Charleston facility was the first American Cancer Society Hope Lodge to open its doors to guests, serving over 8,000 cancer patients and caregivers in its history. There are 22 lodges nationwide today with 21 currently in a development stage.

"What a wonderful way to cap our expansion campaign with this substantial donation of Hope by the Belks!" said Jack Shipkoski, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division. "The support and hope we can now give too many more families going through a cancer experience is immeasurable."

Currently, the Charleston Hope Lodge serves up to 150 guests annually based on an average stay of six weeks. The Belk gift will now allow for the construction of a larger expansion, more than doubling the current capacity and will include added guest suites, additional common-area space and an expanded outdoor area. These additions will allow approximately 300 more patients and their caregivers to take advantage of this home away from home each year.

Guests of the Charleston Hope Lodge are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lodge is constantly full with a lengthy waiting list. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that four times as many patients could benefit from this type of lodging. Over $4 million has now been raised to expand the facility along Calhoun Street. Construction of the "Carol Grotnes Belk Campus," named in honor of Ike Belk's wife Carol, will begin as soon as possible with a grand opening of the expansion to be announced upon completion. During the expansion process, the original operational areas of the Hope Lodge will remain open to cancer patients.