Hospitality Inspires Years
of Generous Support

Donors Provide Home Away from Home for Those in Tough Circumstances

A house is just a building, but a home is a special place where you feel warm and welcomed. To me that is what the Guest House at McLeod is... a place you can feel at home no matter the circumstances.”

These are the words of Susan Burley, a McLeod Health Foundation donor and volunteer of more than 30 years.

Susan originally got involved by selling Miracle Balloons during the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon in her family-owned Shoney’s Restaurants. She and her late husband, Jerry, however, shared a passion for helping those less fortunate and wanted to get more involved with McLeod Health.

“I am a blessed lady because my sweet husband made it possible for me to help those in need through McLeod Foundation programs, and I became passionate about it,” Susan fondly remembers.

As the McLeod Foundation raised funds to build The Guest House at McLeod, Susan accepted an invitation to join a committee to help establish the new facility. These early discussions centered around one goal: to make a stay in the Guest House special for those needing accommodations while their loved ones received treatment at McLeod.

“We talked about providing a place to sleep, a place to eat, and a place for fellowship,” Susan recalls. “I knew right away that Jerry and I would sponsor the kitchen -- after all we were restaurant owners. People like to gather in the kitchen, and we know food can bring comfort to others.”

Susan even helped make the beds in the house to get it ready for its first guests.

When McLeod decided to expand the Guest House, Jerry and Susan agreed to sponsor the library due to her love of reading.

“We are so fortunate to have McLeod Health in our community. Jerry and I were fortunate to be a part of such an amazing resource,” Susan shared.