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Foundation Reaches $10 Million Goal  

West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation Reaches $10,000,000 Goal

The West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation is proud to announce the achievement of a long range goal of $10,000,000 in assets.

The announcement was made today at the home of Foundation board member Milton Smylie in Midtown Jackson during a reception for board members and media.

Frank McMeen, president of the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, said "We are excited that the Foundation has seen such a tremendous growth over the last decade. We hope that this is a good barometer of the confidence and trust the community has in the Foundation and its works."

Having begun in 1985, the Foundation is a gift to the community from West Tennessee Healthcare. "I think the Foundation is the best option for charitable giving for West Tennesseans. There are never any overhead expenses taken out of gifts made to the Foundation," stated Dr. Barnett Scott, chairman of the board of the Foundation. "Your entire gift is used for the purpose given," he continued.

The Foundation is known for its support of Dianne Odell, the nation's oldest living iron lung survivor which received national attention with her 60th birthday this year. Other highlights included the Storm Aid Concert for East Jackson residents whose homes were destroyed by the tornadoes in 2003. The concert raised more than $600,000 to rebuild homes.

The list of funds supported by the Foundation has grown to more than 300 different charitable causes. McMeen says the future focus of the Foundation will be on fundraising for children's health including funding for the Ayers Children's Medical Center, the West Tennessee Cerebral Palsy Association, and the Kiwanis Center for Child Development.

This past year, the Foundation raised more than $2.7 million and distributed more than $1.6 million for its programs. The Foundation grew the endowments by more than $1.1 million.

This year's Charity Gala scheduled for November 10 is anticipated to be the largest fundraiser in the history of the Foundation with a goal to bring a national focus to the organization, affirmed McMeen.