Mount Carmel Foundation Announces $1.2 Million Fundraising Campaign
Rain showers and rumbles of thunder did little to dampen the spirits of the more than 300 Mount Carmel Foundation donors who attended last night’s 26th Annual Gala. The theme for this year’s Gala, “Under the Tuscan Sun” gave attendees an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Italian landscapes that make up the Tuscany region. “We knew it was going to be a challenge to top last year’s Silver Anniversary,” said Foundation Director Kathleen Flannery. “However this year’s committee did an amazing job. It was truly a wonderful evening.” Hosting this year’s event were Mr. Kyle and Dr. Tammy Battaglia, Dr. Brad and Mrs. Sue Hodson, Mr. Wendell and Mrs. Lynda Wilkinson and Mr. Jim and Mrs. Eleanora Belew.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the hospital’s multi-million dollar initiative to construct a new, comprehensive Women’s Center. “It’s been nearly 40 years since this hospital has made a major investment in its obstetrics program,” said Randy Cason, President and CEO of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center. “I’m happy to announce this evening that I believe it’s time we make that investment. We are in the early stages of planning for a Women’s Center that will include a comprehensive line of services including labor and delivery, nursery, post-partum and gynecological surgeries.”
In support of the project the Mount Carmel Foundation has pledged to raise $1.2 million during a three year Women’s Center fundraising campaign. “We’re excited to be part of a project that will have such a positive impact upon families throughout our region,” said Melissa Cedeno, co-chair of the Women’s Center campaign. “It’s an opportunity to improve the health of women and children for generations to come.” Co-chairing the campaign with Mrs. Cedeno is Mrs. Koeta Bryant.
The 26th Annual Gala was sponsored in part by many community businesses including Miller Family Foundation, Inc., Names and Numbers, Ron’s IGA, Bank of America, Commerce Bank, Midwest Minerals, Inc., Mpix, Southeast Kansas Surgical Group/The Little Shop of Flowers, BKD, LLP, Brenner Mortuary, Century Surgical Associates, Inc., Girard Medical Center, J.E. Dunn Construction Company, Lindburg Pharmacy, RehabCare, University Bank and Pittsburg Interiors.
