At their Enchanted Evening, Presented by BankPlus fundraiser, Friends of Children’s Hospital (Friends) announced their next fundraising project will be supporting the Children’s Heart Center at Batson Children’s Hospital with a pledge of $2 million.
This pledge is made after completion of the Eli Manning Children’s Clinics at Batson Children’s Hospital funded by the proceeds from Friends’ previous five-year fundraising campaign, An Evening with the Mannings. Friends exceeded their fundraising goal of $2.5 million by raising $2.985 million for the Clinics.
Funds for the Children’s Heart Center will be raised over five years through the organization’s signature event, Enchanted Evening, Presented by BankPlus. The event will now be held annually rather than every other year.
Enchanted Evening, Presented by BankPlus was held Saturday at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson. The announcement of the next Friends fundraising endeavor was made at the gala by Sara Ray, Friends of Children’s Hospital Chairman and Dr. Jimmy Keeton, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs & Dean, School of Medicine.
“Friends of Children’s Hospital is proud to support the efforts of Batson Children’s Hospital in providing a state-of-the-art heart center for our state’s children,” said Sara Ray. “I hope support for Friends will soar as we raise funds for this important new facility.”
“The University of Mississippi Medical Center is pleased to continue our partnership with Friends of Children’s Hospital, as we work together to raise funds for the new Children’s Heart Center,” said Dr. Keeton. “ UMMC thanks Friends not only for this spectacular fundraising event, but also for their ongoing commitment to the children of Mississippi.”
“Enchanted Evening, Presented by BankPlus is the signature event for Friends. We are excited to show our donors the wonderful plans in store for the Children’s Heart Center,” said Leigh Reeves, president-elect for Friends. “We are very appreciative to all the sponsors and supporters of this great event.”
“I’m delighted BankPlus can play such an integral part in raising funds for the new Children’s Heart Center,” said BankPlus President & CEO, Bill Ray. “This event will enable Friends to help fund a premier healthcare facility that will benefit all of Mississippi’s children.”
Representatives with SouthGroup Insurance Services presented the proceeds from the 5th Annual SouthGroup Insurance Make A Difference 5K to Friends board members during the March board of directors meeting. SouthGroup employees annually organize the entire race and handle all aspects. Then they donate all the proceeds to Friends. This $23,000 donation brings their grand total donated since the first 5K to $116,000. What a wonderful donation for the children of Mississippi! Friends of Children’s Hospital is so grateful to be the recipient of these funds. Thank you SouthGroup Insurance Services!
