New Bolton Center’s Widener Hospital builds toward future.

After more than 50 years, even the best-kept homes tend to need major renovation.
And so it is with the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center, which has been home to some of the best veterinary medical care in the world since opening its doors in 1954.
October 17 is the launching date for a $125 million fundraising campaign to support the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Of that total, $30 million has been earmarked for “renovations, additions and enhancements” to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, the heart and soul of the New Bolton Center campus in Kennett Square, Pa.

“ It’s safe to say that this will be the biggest project ever undertaken at New Bolton Center,” said Susan Miller, executive director of major gifts at PennVet. “We expect it to be a turning point that will set the stage for the future.”

Ground will be broken this fall for a new facility to house an isolation unit and colic treatment area at the center. And that is exclusive of the $30 million.

Thoroughbred owners, who account for 40 percent of New Bolton Center’s equine caseload (with equines constituting about 80 percent of all patients) will be asked to donate generously to the campaign. Those who respond with their checkbooks can be certain they’re supporting a good cause – as well as, quite possibly, an investment in the future health and well-being of their animals.