Regional’s Foundation Donates Money to Groups

by Michael Tilley ([email protected]) 64 views 

Washington Regional Medical Foundation’s recent benefit gala has paid off for three local groups. The Benton County Women’s Shelter, the Project for Victims of Family Violence in Washington County and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers each received $13,311.

Benton County Women’s Shelter and the Project for Victims of Family Violence provide services to families affected by domestic violence. Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers links trained volunteers with people in need of physical, spiritual or social assistance who haven’t qualified for other programs of assistance.

The money came from the Foundation’s sixth-annual benefit gala, a concert by country star Kathy Mattea, held in April.

The Project for Victims of Family Violence provides residential and non-residential services for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. Its services include support groups, individual advocacy, parenting classes, housing and job applications, transportation, child care and financial assistance.

Benton County Women’s Shelter provides residential and direct client services, including help with deposits, rent and utilities; babysitting money, doctor and dentist bills, gasoline, help with school supplies and emergency relocation bus fares.

Since 1996, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers has trained more than 140 volunteer caregivers and assisted hundreds of less fortunate individuals throughout Northwest Arkansas who haven’t qualified for other help programs. These services may include transportation, shopping for homebound persons, light housekeeping, friendly visits and phone calls, small household repairs and yard work.

The Foundation holds galas annually to raise money for groups that improve health care in Northwest Arkansas. Money from previous galas have supported children’s immunization programs, breast and prostate cancer screening programs, and a low-cost medical transportation program.

This year’s event drew 152 sponsors. Major sponsors included Pace Industries, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Budweiser/McBride Distributing Co., Neal and Gina Pendergraft, KFSM TV-5, KPMG LLP, McIlroy Bank & Trust, NationsBank, Northwest Arkansas Radiology Associates, Northwest Arkansas Times, Prairie Grove Telephone Co., Smith & Nephew Orthopedics and Tyson Foods Inc.