Sharing Their Story
HealthEast creates book for donors to cherish

With 7,000 employees, 5,500 donors and 1,200 volunteers, HealthEast is the largest not-for-profit health care provider in the Twin Cities' East Metro area. Its mission is to provide high quality, compassionate, cost-effective health care for the communities it serves.

GLS recently helped HealthEast Foundation produce a hardbound book titled "A Healing Spirit: The Story of HealthEast Care System." The 176-page book, which is one inch thick and measures roughly 10x12 inches, was designed as a meaningful gift for donors, volunteers and employees.

"It's a beautiful book‹the kind you want on your coffee table," said GLS Account Executive John LaBahn. "The very substantial quality of this book makes it a real keepsake."

"I was impressed with their attention to the finest details, their expertise and the personal care they gave our project." — Christy Stolpestad,& — Director of Communications — and Donor Relations, — HealthEast Foundation

A New Chapter

"The Healing Spirit book was a tremendous undertaking and rewarding project for all involved," stated Christy Stolpestad, Director of Communications and Donor Relations for HealthEast Foundation.

Christy revealed that the idea for the book came from Linda Kay Smith, Executive VP for the HealthEast Foundation, and it was embraced by the board of directors and HealthEast leadership. "They all believed in the importance of sharing an organization's story with employees, donors, volunteers and the community as a way to deepen relationships and help ensure the organization's bright future of service to our community," she said.

Since HealthEast Foundation had never published a book—especially one of this magnitude—the Foundation felt compelled to assemble a team of people whose expertise and talents they trusted.

Bringing the Pages to Life

The team included Carol Pine of Pine and Partners, an author gifted in capturing the culture that makes organizations unique. The Foundation also retained Nancy Hauck of Liz J. Design, whose beautiful and clean design captured the warm personality of HealthEast and enhanced the reading experience.

Having built a relationship with HealthEast over the past 10 years, John LaBahn was thrilled when GLS was invited to be the printing partner.

"I knew that John LaBahn would take this project personally," remarked Christy, "and he would do everything he could to make the process itself and the final product something we are all very proud of."

The project required more than 20 press checks around the clock, and the GLS team was there every step of the way. "I was impressed with their attention to the finest details, their expertise and the personal care they gave our project," Christy said.

In May, HealthEast Foundation unveiled the book at a donor recognition dinner. Author Carol Pine spoke to the group and signed the books given to donors. Designer Nancy Hauck, John LaBahn and donors David and Mary Jo Monson were also recognized for their contributions to the project.

Feedback from employees, volunteers, board members and donors has been better than HealthEast Foundation could have dreamed. Donors have responded with comments like this: "It is fabulous! Having been part of all those HealthEast years‹this book is a wonderful gift of memories."

Interested in telling your company's story through a hardbound book? Ask your GLS rep about our competitive, full-service publishing solutions.

To learn more about HealthEast, visit www.healtheast.org.