Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Celebrates Donors with An Evening of Gratitude

Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation hosted their 16th annual Donor Banquet Friday, May 5, at the Vada Sheid Community Development Center located on the ASU-MH campus. The night was to honor the many donors who help to keep Baxter Regional Medical Center on the cutting edge of healthcare. Approximately 400 donors and guests were in attendance for an evening of gratitude.

The night began with introductions by Chairman of the Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Board of Directors John Dyess, followed by 2016 recognitions presented by Barney Larry, BRMC VP/ Business Development and BRHF Executive Director. Clark Fletcher and Lori Gregory were both recognized for their service as retiring Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation board members. A video was then shown about the four BRMC Community Health Education and Support Houses, and Sally Gilbert, Chairman of the BRMC Board of Directors, extended appreciation from the Board to all of the donors present.

Ron Peterson, BRMC President and Chief Executive Officer, shared via video the philanthropic impact that donations made to the Foundation have on the hospital to keep BRMC a comprehensive, independent and community-driven health system.

Cindy Costa, CFRE, BRHF Director of Development, and Shannon Nachtigal, MSN, RN, BRMC VP/Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, spoke about the impact the Anderson Downes Nursing Scholarships have had on the organization. A video was shown featuring Tana Seely, RN, Acute Inpatient Rehab, sharing her personal experience as a scholarship recipient.

Estella Tullgren, BRHF Planned Giving Officer, announced that Donna Cordonnier had made a six figure endowment gift to the Peitz Cancer Support House that was matched by Peter Peitz, Investment Chair, BRHF Board of Directors. Both Donna and Peter shared their stories and inspired all in attendance to leave a legacy.

Justin Woods, CFRE, BRHF Major Gifts Officer, kicked off a one million dollar fundraising campaign to renovate the Acute Inpatient Rehab Unit.

There wasnandrsquo;t a dry eye in the room after a video highlighting Rock Steady Boxing Mountain Home was played, and the fighters took the stage to a standing ovation. Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program available locally through the Mruk Family Education Center on Aging for those with Parkinsonandrsquo;s Disease that is proving to slow the progression of the disease.

The evening ended with Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass sharing the impact of BRMC on his personal life following a quadruple-bypass surgery. Closing remarks were made by Barney Larry as he expressed gratitude to donors for supporting the mission of Baxter Regional Medical Center, and the 2016 Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Annual Report was distributed to attendees as they left the event.

Baxter Regional Medical Center and Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation appreciate the opportunity to celebrate our donors. Since 1988, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation has made an unyielding commitment to Baxter Regional Medical Center to provide the funding to ensure the best healthcare possible. This wouldnandrsquo;t be possible without our donors and their gifts of time, commitment and financial support! For more information about the Foundation, call (870) 508-1770 or email foundation@baxterregional.org.