Hunterdon Health Foundation – Engineering a Seamless Digital Landmark Amidst Hospital Renovations

How Hunterdon Health Foundation partnered with Donor Recognition Wall and their exclusive Arreya Digital Signage Software Service to transform a complex lobby renovation into a dynamic center for donor stewardship.

Digital donor walls are more than screens; they are focal points of institutional gratitude. When Hunterdon Health Foundation—the philanthropic heart of Hunterdon Health Medical Center—decided to modernize their lobby, they faced a daunting challenge: how to honor a legacy of community support while navigating a high-traffic hospital renovation.

By choosing the DRW + Arreya turnkey solution, they moved beyond a "sales pitch" and into a collaborative partnership that prioritized architectural flexibility and ease of use.

The Challenge: Navigating "Red Tape" and Shifting Architectural Plans

The primary obstacle for Hunterdon Health was a last-minute lobby renovation that threatened to derail the donor wall's original design and timeline. In healthcare environments, "red tape" is a reality. Facilities requirements, IT security, and interior design standards often conflict. Hunterdon Health Foundation needed a partner that didn't just provide a product, but could pivot alongside their construction team.

"We had a complicated situation," notes Jenna Skillinge, Manager of Foundation Relations. The Foundation required a system that felt personal and heartfelt, yet was durable enough for a busy hospital entrance. When the physical space changed unexpectedly, they needed a team capable of redesigning on the fly without sacrificing the project's integrity.

The Donor Recognition Wall Solution: A Turnkey Partnership Powered by Arreya

Donor Recognition Wall differentiates itself by offering a personal, consultative approach that bridges the gap between interior design and digital technology.

While other providers offered "standard PowerPoint sales pitches," the DRW team focused on the Foundation’s specific mission through the personal charette process. Because DRW provides a complete solution—from initial rendering to final fabrication—we were able to adapt to the lobby's new footprint instantly.

Why the DRW + Arreya Ecosystem Worked:

• Design Flexibility: Even though the wall was "pretty much built," our team collaborated with Hunterdon’s interior designers to edit the renderings to fit the new lobby layout.
• Arreya Digital Signage Suite: By using Arreya as the software backbone, we ensured the Foundation could update donor lists remotely without needing specialized IT skills.
• Hardware Independence: Using reliable, commercial-grade hardware ensured the wall would stay "always on" in a 24/7 hospital environment.

"It was so nice to have a personal connection... We felt like valued customers, not just another number. They were totally willing to change things and offer solutions." — Jenna Skillinge, Hunterdon Healthcare Manager of Foundation Relations.

The Installation: "Way Easier Than I Thought"

In a hospital environment, a "construction project" in the lobby is a major risk; DRW mitigates this through self-sufficient, professional installation.

Many Development Directors fear that installing a digital donor wall will be disruptive to patients or staff. For Hunterdon Health, the experience was the opposite. Our installation team managed the entire process with zero noise complaints and minimal footprint.

"I was worried about noise... or being disruptive," Jenna recalls. "They were amazing. They were self-sufficient... they took care of everything. It was so easy." This "white-glove" service is a hallmark of the Donor Recognition Wall process, ensuring that the Foundation team can stay focused on their donors rather than managing a construction site.

The Impact: A Focal Point for Community Pride

The result is a stunning digital donor video wall that has become the crown jewel of the new Hunterdon Health lobby.

The impact was immediate. The wall has not only boosted donor morale but has also energized the hospital’s leadership.

• Increased Visibility: Positioned in a high-traffic area, the wall captures the attention of patients, visitors, and staff alike.
• Marketing Integration: The Foundation now collaborates with the hospital's marketing team to blend donor recognition with general hospital communications, maximizing the ROI of the display.
• Presidential Approval: The project was so successful that the hospital's President began fast-tracking other renovation elements to match the high standard set by the new donor wall.

Long-Term Stewardship: Support Beyond the Reveal

A donor wall is a living monument, and its success depends on the support provided after the "ribbon-cutting."

Donor Recognition Wall along with their Arreya Digital Signage software continue to provide ongoing design and troubleshooting support for Hunterdon Health. Whether it's adjusting how donor names scroll or updating lists for a new campaign, the Foundation remains supported.

"The biggest takeaway for me is we felt really supported along the way and we continue to feel supported," says Jenna. This partnership ensures that Hunterdon Health Foundation will never have an "outdated" wall, but rather a dynamic platform that grows alongside their community.

Ready to Elevate Your Donor Recognition?

At Donor Recognition Wall, we combine artistic fabrication with the world-class Arreya digital suite to tell your organization's story. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your next capital campaign or renovation.