Archive for the ‘Children's Miracle Network’ Category

Lacy Lee, child life specialist in the Children’s Center at The Medical Center, with 12-year old Brittney Braggs, a patient who drew Lacy’s winning raffle ticket for a Mother’s Day basket at Miracle Friday.

Even in these difficult economic times, the generosity of Columbus Regional Healthcare employees toward children in the Columbus, Georgia community was at an all-time high on Miracle Friday!

A record-breaking $33,500 was contributed for the Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center. The special fundraising event was held the Columbus Regional Conference Center at The Medical Center.

Our sincere gratitude goes to those who filled the 37 baskets, bid on the baskets, and bought the baked goods and barbeque that contributed to raising the record-breaking amount.

Support Scott and The Miracle Riders, Children’s Champions

By Joseph R. Zanga, M.D. | Chief of Pediatrics | The Medical Center

Dr. Joseph R. Zanga

I came to Columbus 18 months ago because I wanted to be a part of that effort which had the unified support of the pediatric and lay community. Now you can be a part of that future too.

On Friday, May 28, Country’s Barbeque co-owner Scott Ressmeyer returns from riding his Harley through the lower 48 (this year with 10 other children’s champions) in support of the Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center. CMN raises funds to support some of the extraordinary work we do here.

Click to visit the Scott’s Ride for Miracles blog.

You all know of the long standing, regionally recognized care we provide to the smallest and often sickest of our citizens in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Whether born at The Medical Center, sometimes unexpectedly, or transported after birth—often with heroic effort by the NICU team—these tiny infants are surrounded by specialized equipment purchased with CMN funds.

So read about Scott’s Ride for Miracles on his blog and open your hearts and wallets to support what these men are doing to support Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center, to support children, to support our community’s future.

What began last year as Scott’s Ride for Miracles has now expanded to include Scott’s Miracle Riders and will once again benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at The Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Scott Ressmeyer (on motorcycle) with the Miracle Riders (left to right): Tim Wynn, Ronnie Wilson, Mark Alexander, Mike Langford, Ralph Kingry, James Cole, Mike Jolley, Larry Suits, Brice Patterson and Mike Hamby.

On May 7 at 11:30 a.m., Country’s Barbeque co-owner Scott Ressmeyer and 10 friends will board their Harley Davidson motorcycles at The Medical Center and embark upon a 21-day, 48-state journey to raise awareness and money to help fund cardiac monitors in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Scott will be joined by:

• Mark Alexander (Columbus, GA)
• James Cole (Midland, GA)
• Mike Hamby (Cataula, GA)
• Mike Jolley (Hamilton, GA)
• Ralph Kingrey (Fortson, GA)
• Mike Langford (Cataula, GA)
• Brice Patterson (Waverly Hall, GA)
• Larry Suits (Columbus, GA)
• Ronnie Wilson (Salem, AL)
• Tim Wynn (Columbus, GA)

In addition to taking time off from work and funding all personal expenses associated with the ride (including hotels, meals and gasoline), each of Scott’s Miracle Riders is committed to raising at least $2,500 to participate in the more than 9,000-mile trek across the United States.

Providing support for the event include lead sponsor Circle K, event sponsors Country’s Barbeque and Ranger Joe’s, and bike wrap sponsors Medline Industries and Daniel Appliance.

About Scott’s Ride for Miracles

Scott launched the event last year to commemorate his 50th birthday, with the goal of raising $35,000 to purchase a GE Omni Giraffe Bed for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Medical Center.

With the support of his friends, family and a generous community, he exceeded his goal by raising $51,000.

This year, by joining forces with his Miracle Riders, Scott hopes to raise $75,000, which will go toward purchasing cardiac monitors for the PICU.

Originally planned as a one-time trip, Scott said this year’s journey evolved after Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley approached him shortly after his return, saying he wanted to be a part of this year’s event.

Get Involved

• Donation via Text Message (SMS): This year, donors will have a new Text to Give option for supporting Scott’s Ride for Miracles.

• Donation via Secure Website: Donors may also give in a more traditional way at the Scott’s Ride for Miracles online donation page on the Columbus Regional Website.

• Support Cards: In addition to pledging financial support, during May, patrons may purchase, sign and display Scott’s Ride for Miracles cards at several local restaurants and businesses, including Country’s Barbeque, B. Merrell’s, Mellow Mushroom, Rosehill Seafood, Hunter’s Pub, Speak Easy and Aspen Mountain Grill.

• Local “Welcome Home” Escort Ride: Additionally, local motorcycle enthusiasts have the opportunity to escort Scott and his Miracle Riders as they return for their welcome celebration at the Columbus Riverwalk on Friday, May 28. Visit the blog to register for this opportunity.

The Medical Center Auxiliary recently celebrated its 47th birthday by giving $133,000 of financial gifts to several groups during birthday celebrations at the Columbus Regional Conference Center at The Medical Center earlier this month.

Ruby Jackson presents Lance Duke with a birthday box filled with the names of those receiving financial gifts from the Auxiliary.

Auxiliary President Ruby Jackson made check presentations to Lance Duke, The Medical Center president and CEO, who received the gifts on behalf of the:

• Bunch McClellan Nursing Scholarship
• Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center
• John B. Amos Cancer Center
• Mary Ann Pease Healthcare Scholarship Fund
• The Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Over the past 47 years, The Medical Center Auxiliary’s financial contributions—which benefit the Columbus, GA community—have exceeded $4.4 million through various fundraising efforts.

Jasmine Winston serves pancakes to Jane Starnes at the IHOP on Airport Thruway in Columbus, GA on National Pancake Day.

The Columbus City Council earlier this month recognized a local International House of Pancakes restaurant for its fundraising efforts during this year’s National Pancake Day on February 23.

The event, sponsored by IHOP, offered customers a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. In exchange, customers were asked to consider donating to the Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center.

The Columbus-area IHOP (2111 Airport Thruway) raised more than $9,600, the most in the Southeast.

Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team members players will work for “tips” and will provide entertainment at the Snake Eyes benefit event.

Members of the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team will serve as dealers, waiters and more at “Snake Eyes,” a casino-themed benefit the team is hosting at the Columbus Civic Center on Tuesday, March 2 at 6.30 p.m.

All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center.

The evening will be filled with popular casino games, as well as a great silent auction and fantastic prizes.

Cottonmouths players will work for “tips” and will provide entertainment.

Tip chips can be purchased by guests (all of whom must be 18 years old or older).

Admission is $35. For more information, please call (706) 660-6115.

Click image to see more photos from the event!

Approximately 400 runners braved the chill and rain at the 10th Reindeer Run for KIDS in downtown Columbus, Georgia on December 12.

In the past 10 years, the Reindeer Run has raised more than $50,000.

Awards were given to top male and female finalists in each age category, ranging from pre-Kindergarten to eighth grade. Overall race results are also available online.

The Medical Center wishes to thank to all the runners, Country’s Barbecue, and our presenting sponsors:

• Neonatology Associates of Columbus
• Rivertown Pediatrics
• Circle K

For more information, please call Jennifer Joyner at (706) 660-6548.

Columbus Regional raised $287,182 for Columbus, GA community—including $99,838 for the United Way—during the 2010 Employee Giving Campaign.

Employee generosity for those in need in the Chattahoochee Valley community was at an all-time high during the Columbus Regional 2010 Employee Giving Campaign.

The campaign, which wrapped up with a celebration on November 25, raised $287,183 for ten local organizations. Of this total, United Way received $99,837 for their 24 agencies and programs.

In addition to United Way, contributions will go to the:

• Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center
• Columbus Regional Employee Assistance Fund
• John B. Amos Cancer Center
• American Cancer Society
• American Diabetes Association
• American Heart Association
• Arthritis Foundation
• March of Dimes
• Ronald McDonald House

Kids in Columbus, Georgia know it’s the holiday season when it’s time for the one-mile Reindeer Run!

Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center and Country’s Barbecue are teaming up for the 10th Reindeer Run for KIDS at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 12.

Awards will be given to winners in each age category and by male and female. Age categories include:

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten
• 1st–2nd Grades
• 3rd–5th Grades
• 6th–8th Grades

Although this race is all about fun, state-of-the-art racing “chips” will be used to provide official race results.

Cost is $15 for pre-registered runners, and $20 for day-of-race registrants. Runners can register online.

All funds raised from benefit Chattahoochee Valley area children treated at The Medical Center.

In the past nine years, Reindeer Run has had more than 2,200 runners and raised more than $50,000.

For more information, please call Jennifer Joyner at (706) 660-6548.

Kickoff the holiday season at the Gingerbread House Competition & Holiday Family Fun on Sunday, November 22 and Monday, November 23.

This free family event will be held at the RiverMill Event Centre (37165 1st Avenue, Bibb City, Georgia).

There will be festive activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. The day will include many activities, including the gingerbread competition, a holiday cooking demonstration by Olympic Gold Medal Chef Jamie Keating of the RiverMill Event Centre and shopping…and the kids can even make a gingerbread house to take home!

Proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at The Medical Center.

For more information, please call Jennifer Joyner at (706) 660-6548.