Westminster, Md. – Lottie Long, a lifetime resident of Westminster, contributed $805,000 to Carroll County General Hospital, one of the largest donations in its history. The donation was presented to the hospital June 28 by Long’s brother, Maurice Blizzard, and sister, Alice Mummert.

The gift is being made from a Charitable Trust established by Long in 1993. Blizzard and Branch Banking and Trust Company have served as co-trustees.

With her generous gift, Long continues a strong tradition of philanthropy, as she often donated to charities and institutions that provide support to those in need. Her donation also is an expression of gratitude for the excellent care she received while a patient at Carroll County General Hospital on several occasions. Long died of an extended illness in December 2000. She was 94.

“She was always very giving,” said Blizzard. “She wanted to help the community through the hospital and it’s heart-warming to see that her spirit for caring for others lives on.”

More than half of the donation has been earmarked for use in the Emergency Department and the remaining amount will be divided among cardiology, oncology and general building services. Because Long chose to make her contribution through an endowment, it will benefit the hospital in perpetuity. Each year, Carroll County General Hospital will receive the interest earned on the funds and be able to use it according to Long’s wishes.

“What she has done with this wonderful donation is leave a legacy at the hospital,” said Ellen Finnerty Myers, vice president of development at Carroll County General Hospital. “This is truly a gracious, forever gift that will benefit countless patients.”

Long and her late husband, Martin, owned the Long General Store in Carrollton for more than 50 years. She was also a past president of both the Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Carroll County Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary.

Other local distributions from the Charitable Trust went to Carrollton Church of God and Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Company.

Founded in 1961, Carroll County General Hospital is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs.

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