Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day with Edgar Virts and St. Catherine’s Nursing Center Administrator/CEO Louis Vogel III as Mr. Virts signs The Martha Murphy Virts Fund for St. Catherine’s Nursing Center.

New Community Foundation Fund Supports St. Catherine’s Nursing Center in Emmitsburg

November 26, 2007: Residents of St. Catherine’s Nursing Center in Emmitsburg have a new ally in its efforts to provide care for people in medical crisis thanks to the resolve of Brunswick-area resident Edgar Virts, Jr., who, through The Community Foundation of Frederick County, has established The Martha Murphy Virts Fund for St. Catherine’s Nursing Center.

Named after his beloved late mother, Martha Murphy Virts, the Fund will provide complementary therapies to St. Catherine’s residents experiencing the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, as well as assist people with disabilities, and those experiencing catastrophic health issues.

“My mother was a dedicated nurse who helped many people in her lifetime. I know St. Catherine’s provides excellent care to its residents and will provide excellent complementary therapies for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and other residents in medical need,” said Mr. Virts. “My mother’s legacy of helping others will continue in a way that helps a cause near and dear to my heart.”

Mr. Virts has a longstanding legacy of philanthropy to medical causes, especially Alzheimer’s Disease, which claimed the life of his wife Geraldine in 1995. Honoring those he loved by establishing a fund at the Community Foundation is his way of giving back to the community by helping others. “I cherish The Martha Murphy Virts Fund for St. Catherine’s Nursing Center because I know it will help to make people happy,” Mr. Virts said.

Louis Vogel, Administrator and CEO of St. Catherine’s Nursing Center, said that Mr. Virts’ benevolence will help to further its mission of ministry. “Because of Mr. Virts and his philanthropy through the Community Foundation, St. Catherine’s will be helped in its Mission and Core Value of Reverence – offering respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of all life.”

Since 1986, generous donors have turned to the Community Foundation as a trusted philanthropic organization dedicated to filling the needs of the Frederick County community. To date, the Community Foundation has given back more than $17 million, made possible through caring citizens who establish new funds or add to existing funds to provide grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to deserving students.

Contributions to The Martha Murphy Virts Fund for St. Catherine’s Nursing Center are accepted at any time in any amount. Checks may be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, with the Fund’s name inserted in the check’s memo line. To donate online, click here. All checks or online contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.