Everett Buick GMC is giving the foundation $50 thousand dollars. With February being American heart month, the hope is that this gift will draw attention to this company who is so generous to give from the heart. -KARK

“We want to invest in the future, in healthcare that’s close by,” says owner Susie Everett. “So we can get the best for us when were in the hospital, and we can get the best for our grandchildren. -KTHV

It wasn’t roses or chocolates, but a gift of $50,000 that made for a great Valentine’s Day for the Saline Memorial Health Foundation. Everett Buick GMC presented a $50,000 check to the Saline Memorial Health Foundation at a press event held at the hospital on February 14. Hospital staff, physicians, Board members and Everett representatives were all present for the check presentation and reception. Thank you to the Everett family for your generous gift that will enhance healthcare for Saline County!

Benton, AR (February 18, 2013)  -  The Saline Memorial Health Foundation is planning to host the 3rd annual Heart of Saline Recognition Dinner on Thursday, February 21, at Bishop Park in Bryant. The Foundation will be honoring the late Brian Sudderth and Melissa Dockery, both local physicians who passed away in 2012.

“The purpose of the Heart of Saline dinner is to honor individuals who have put community and others above themselves,” said Matt Brumley, SMH foundation director. “Both Dr. Dockery and Dr. Sudderth certainly did just that. Our community is a better place because of their service.”

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Saline Memorial Health Foundation which supports the hospital’s mission of providing quality healthcare services to Saline County and surrounding areas. Over the past few years, the Foundation has helped raise funds to build the Hospice House in Bryant, to purchase cardiac monitors for the ambulance service and to provide cardiac medication to indigent patients. They recently started a $1.25 million facility renovation campaign.

“Dr. Sudderth and Dr. Dockery were respected, not just because of their excellent care for patients, but more so for their immense care for people,” said Brumley. “Their desire to serve with compassion and humility certainly impacted our community.”

Tickets to the dinner are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. Social hour starts at 6:00pm and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (501) 776-6746.

Saline Memorial Hospital is a non-profit, community hospital that is sustained through revenue from operations, grants and donations made through the Foundation. For more information about the services offered at SMH, visit salinememorial.org.

Saline Memorial Hospital (SMH) recently welcomed two new board members to the SMH Board of Directors. James (Jim) Zahnd, of Hot Springs Village, and Chris Holmes, of Bryant, will both be serving a three-year term. 

 “We’re excited to welcome Jim and Chris to the SMH Board,” said Randy Fortner, SMH President and CEO. “They are both well respected in the community and in their field of work. I look forward to working with them and other Board members to continue to enhance care for our patients.”

Jim Zahnd is a retired marketing and public affairs executive with more than 40 years experience in communications advocacy and government relations for healthcare and higher education organizations. He is currently a principal and CEO of OnPoint Advocacy & Strategic Communications, LLC in Hot Springs Village. Prior to his retirement in 2006, he served for 20 years as VP/Public Affairs for Iowa Health System in Des Moines, IA.

Chris Holmes is a Regional Executive for IBM and serves the Arkansas and Louisiana market. His background includes more than twenty years of experience in the information technology industry in various leadership roles. Chris serves as the IBM Senior Location Executive for IBM Little Rock, as well as Senior State Executive for the State of Arkansas with responsibility for over 200 IBM employees.

The SMH Board consists of voluntary members who provide governance and leadership to the organization. They oversee the financial health and stability of the hospital and ensure the delivery of safe and high quality care.

Saline Memorial Hospital is a 167-bed community-centered, non-profit hospital that has served the community and surrounding areas for over 50 years. For more information about services provided at SMH, call 776-6764 or visit  www.salinememorial.org.