Richard and Roxy Pepper provide generous support to community

Richard Pepper grew up visiting his grandparents who lived near Swedish Covenant Hospital on Leland Avenue in Lincoln Square. As a result, he has always felt a strong connection to the hospital, and today views it "as a little jewel right in our big city."This childhood connection has transitioned into a life-long relationship based on helping the community. "Swedish Covenant Hospital has done a lot for the community, and we want to be a part of it," he said.Richard and his wife, Roxy, have not only been generous donors to the hospital, they have helped make the physical facility what it is today. Richard is the CEO of Pepper Construction, a company which takes on many of the construction projects that have transformed the hospital since 1990."Donating to this hospital is just a very rewarding thing. It makes you feel good," Roxy said. "My father was very big on giving money away. He didn't have much money but everything he could give, he did, and I want to do the same."In 2008, Richard and Roxy's gift resulted in the Aqua Garden/Fountain located in the center of the Healing Garden on the hospital campus."We look forward to helping patients feel better through the fountain. It's nice to have green space in the city and in a hospital setting," Richard said. "It's such a great feeling to see all of the things we have contributed to and say 'wow I can't believe we were able to do it.' We're pleased to do this for SCH.