Deep Roots and a Strong Commitment


Born at Little Company of Mary Hospital, raised in Beverly and vice-chairman of Beverly Bank & Trust, Dennis O’Malley knows a thing or two about this Southwest Chicagoland community. And one thing he's sure of is that the community deserves a first-rate hospital with state-of-the-art services. That's why he says he’s supporting Values. Vision. Innovation: The Campaign for Little Company of Mary Hospital.


The O’Malley family: Dennis O’Malley, vice-chairman of Beverly Bank & Trust, with wife Jennifer and son Declan.


“In health care, either you remain on the cutting edge or you get left behind,” he explains. “This project will allow Little Company to continue the stan- dard of excellence they’ve provided to all of us for so many years, and allow them to do so for the next 100 years.”


A natural fit


A proud member of the Little Company of Mary class of 1964, Dennis has a long history with the hospital. Five of his six siblings were also born there. As a young adult, he was involved with a young associates group that organized events to support Little Company of Mary.


His commitment to the hospital was cemented in 2003, after the bank opened and members of the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk committee approached him about sponsorship. “We were in a little tiny conference room and they had me 5 on 1–I didn’t stand a chance,” he recalls fondly. “It was a good fit from the beginning–being from the community, being committed to this community and being tied to Little Company. We made a three-year commitment, which was a huge deal for a start-up bank; but we were committed to it and we’ve been involved ever since.”


In fact, Beverly Bank serves as the primary sponsor of the event, underwriting costs, providing volunteers and serving as a registration site. As a locally owned and managed bank, the Walk is a good fit with the institution’s mission, Dennis says.


“It’s definitely a two-way street,” he says of the bank's support. “There’s a dollar amount we provide, but what comes back to us is a real sense of supporting the community. Everybody at the bank gets involved. It’s a boost to morale and everyone feels a genuine sense of giving back to Little Company.”


Excellent stewards


Because of his financial background, Dennis also sits on the Campus Transformation Project’s business sub- committee. The experience has given him insight into the financing of the Project and provided further confidence in the leadership team. “Some people have asked me, ‘what are they thinking, taking on this project in these economic times?’” Dennis admits. “But I can tell you, the management team there is exceptional, the hospital is in great shape and they are excellent stewards of the community’s investment.”


As a banker, Dennis says the fact that the Campaign is moving forward so successfully speaks volumes about the soundness of the Project. “The fact that they've been able to line up bonds at a time when loans are being dispensed with an eye dropper pretty much says it all,” he explains. “They have a very strong foundation and people believe in them.”


For the next generations


Dennis is personally committed to the Campaign, as well, and is an individual major donor. He jokes that his motivation is purely selfish. “I plan to live and die in this community,” he says. “I’m sure I'll be spending my fair time at my hospital, and my hospital is Little Company of Mary.”


Joking aside, Dennis says his 4-year-old son inspires his support of the Campaign. “I want nothing but the best for him,” he says. “I want to make sure Little Company is a viable part of our community for our children and our grandchildren. We need that place.”


Turning to other members of his generation, Dennis urges his friends and peers to support the Campaign. “Let's not just talk about what a great institution it is and how integral it is to our community; let’s get involved with our time and our pocketbooks,” he says. “Let's do it for the next generations.”


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envision VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1


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