“Thank you for the beautiful upgrade to our space!”
“You have given us a bright comfortable place to rest and recharge, we are so grateful!”
“It’s a great gift for staff and patients!”
Those are just some of the many messages from staff at Dartmouth General Hospital, written on small paper crowns and presented to Roger and Lindsey King. The Dartmouth couple, founders of nationwide sports nutrition retailer Supplement King, made a generous $500,000.00 gift to completely transform the hospital’s cafeteria space. The newly named Roger and Lindsey King Dining Hall & Lounge had its official opening on April 21st.
This all began with a tour of the hospital two years ago, as Roger King was looking for ways to support his community.
Roger and Lindsey King
“At Supplement King we have the privilege of serving many healthcare workers everyday,” he said in front of a full room of family, friends and hospital staff. “It became clear when we stopped at the old cafeteria, that the staff and patients were in dire need of a fresh new space.”
The Dining Hall now features a bright new layout, enhanced lighting, new furniture and device charging stations.
“Your generosity has really transformed this place to, not just a room, but really a connection place where everyone can come and have community, nourishment and recharge,” said Brenda MacDonald, Senior Director of Nutrition and Food Services for Nova Scotia Health.
The province contributed to food service equipment, enabling a new healthy menu with more fresh food options. The symbol of the new eatery at The Roger and Lindsey King Dining Hall is the blueberry.
“The blueberry may be small but it carries a lot with it – nourishment, resilience and a deep connection to this place we call home” said Stephen Harding, President and CEO of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation. “Roger and Lindsey, your deep connection to your community is clear. Thank you.”
Dr. Natalie Cheng is the medical site lead at Dartmouth General Hospital. She spoke about coming back through COVID and everyone in the hospital recognizing the importance of being together, of socializing and sharing experiences.
“When you go to work and have a really tough day, which happens in healthcare all the time, and you sit down and have coffee or lunch with somebody and have that connection, you want to come to work the next day,” said Dr. Cheng. “It changes everything. And so this is far more than a space to eat. It’s a healing garden now, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of this.”
“Good health outcomes are about more than just medicine and procedures,” said Roger King, after he and his family officially cut the ribbon on the new Roger and Lindsey King Dining Hall & Lounge at Dartmouth General Hospital. “It is our hope that this new space becomes a part of Dartmouth General where staff and patients can enjoy a proper meal, take time to connect with loved ones on a break, or just enjoy a rare moment of peace.”
Photos by: kelly clark fotography
