Kawasaki Mule Raffle to Benefit Hospice of Care

The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation recently received a 2017 Kawasaki Mule to raffle for the Hospice of Care fund which benefits area Hospice of Care patients.

The utility vehicle will be awarded to a winner on November 4th at 3 p.m. at the TCMH Healthcare Foundation’s annual Chili Cook Off which also benefits Hospice of Care.

“We always have a large item with raffle tickets for our chili cook off teams to use to raise funds for their team, and this year we partnered with S&H Farm Supply in Mountain Grove for the all-terrain, utility vehicle,” Jay Gentry, Healthcare Foundation director, said.

The Kawasaki Mule is a 4X4 SX XC model with an $8,400 value. A donation by S&H and Kawasaki covered much of the unit’s cost.  Tickets are raffled for $10 each or $50 for six tickets.

“We have always had a great response when we raffle any type of all-terrain vehicle,” Courtney Owens, Hospice of Care director, explained.  “The Mule is really versatile for leisure or work, for small or large properties, so it appeals to everyone.”

Owens explained that the UTV is currently parked at TCMH if anyone wants to see it.

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation and Hospice of Care have a fundraising goal of $50,000 for the 2017 Chili Cook Off, and proceeds from the raffle ticket sales will go toward overall fundraising for the event.

Funds from the Healthcare Foundation’s Hospice Fund and the annual Chili Cook Off are utilized to provide end of life care for patients and their families regardless of a patient’s ability to pay for the service.

“Our hospice funds are used locally to benefit the patients we serve within a 40-mile radius of TCMH,” Owens said.

Raffle tickets for the Kawasaki Mule are available through the Hospice of Care office located in the TCMH Office Annex and any of the teams that are participating in this year’s cook off.

Space is still available for additional five-person cook off teams, according to Owens.

For additional information about raffle tickets or a 2017 Chili Cook Off team, contact Hospice of Care at (417) 967-1279 or 1-866-967-3311 ext. 1279.

#  #  #

 For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Annual Golf Tournament Raises $19,167 for Local Charity

The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation raised $19,167 in cash and non-cash gifts at the Twelfth Annual Charitable Golf Tournament at Oakwood Golf Course in Houston on Sat., June 10.

Thirty-seven teams participated in the 18-hole two-person scramble which had 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. tee times.

Prizes were awarded to the top three teams in four categories—Championship Flight; A-Flight; B-Flight and C-Flight.  With a hole-in-one on hole five at the course, golfers had the opportunity to win $25,000 sponsored by Justin Shelby, State Farm Insurance Agent in Houston.

Winners of the Championship Flight all shot a score of 60.  Tie breaker rules were enforced for teams shooting the same score. First in Championship Flight went to Lance King and Ryan Potts, followed by Jon Williams and Greg Smith in second place, and Roger Tune and Aaron Hawkins in third place.

A-Flight winners were Ron Barton and Jordan Norfalise in first place with a 64, followed by Roger Tune and Denna Tune in second with a 65.  Third place winners, Gary Clinton and Kelly Lowe, also shot a 65.

Winners of the B-Flight were Jay Loveland and Lynn Loveland with a 70.  Finishing second were Preston Wade and Devin Wiseman with a 71.  Also with a 71 but coming in third were Ralph Pennington and Tanner Carter.

C-Flight winners were Scott Crump and Chuck Hicks with a 75.  Bill Hartwig and Chris Nelson also shot a 75 but came in second place.  Danny Lansdown and Dr. Lynn Hauenstein finished third with a 76.

First and second place winners in all flights received cash prizes and trophies.  Third place winners in all flights received a cash prize.

Mary Armstrong and Gary Lee were the women’s and men’s longest putt contest winners.

Men’s and women’s longest drive winners were Roger Tune and Denna Tune.

A “Vegas Par 3” closest to the pin contest was hosted and sponsored by Dr. Jim Perry, OD.  Preston Wade and Kelly Lowe won the contest.

“The Big Advantage” on the fourth hole allowed golfers to move up within 150 yards of the putting green and was sponsored by Wehr Ford/Wehr RV in Mountain Grove.  The game could reduce golf scores and included a closest to the pin contest.  John Williams was “The Big Advantage” winner.

Jay Gentry, TCMH Healthcare Foundation director, noted that the funds generated by the golf tournament will be used to fund scholarships for healthcare related educational fields and to provide resources for capital projects.

“We almost filled all of the available team slots, and we received numerous sponsorships from individuals and businesses for the tournament,” Gentry said.  “Both factors help make a great tournament.”

Gentry noted that the tournament also received corporate sponsorships from Emergency Medical Care, LLC; Home State Health; Missouri Foundation for Health, and USA Radiology Management along with support from many other businesses.

Click Here to View All of the Tournament’s Sponsors

“The sponsorships and support also allow us to put on a tournament with a lot of amenities for the participants,” Gentry said.  He also thanked the numerous volunteers and the staff at Oakwood for their time and efforts on behalf of the Foundation’s tournament.

“Some of our winners also donated their winnings back to the Foundation, which we greatly appreciate,” Gentry said.  “The Foundation is a local charity and all of the money we receive for the Foundation will remain in the county.”

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation is the non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the quality of healthcare services for children, women, and men at Texas County Memorial Hospital.   Funding for the Foundation comes from grateful patients and their families, community members and groups, and businesses that value healthcare in our area.  A board of community leaders from across the county directs the TCMH Healthcare Foundation and the funds held by the Foundation.

“Once again, this tournament has been very successful for the Healthcare Foundation,” Gentry said.

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation plans to hold the golf tournament fundraiser again in 2018.

#  #  #

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

TCMH Healthcare Foundation Plans Annual Golf Tournament

Plans are underway for the twelfth annual Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation Charitable Golf Tournament at Oakwood Golf Course in Houston on Saturday, June 10th.

The tournament is a two-person scramble, and a team can play for $120, which includes a cart, green fees, mulligans and lunch.  Tee times are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the tournament is limited to 40 teams.

Prizes will be awarded in four flights with three places in each flight.  The number of entrants in the tournament will determine prizes and flights.

There will be many prizes awarded including a hole in one prize and prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin.  Entrants will also be eligible for door prizes.

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the quality of healthcare services for children, women and men at TCMH.  The Missouri Foundation for Health has partnered with the Healthcare Foundation as the corporate underwriter for the event.

“The TCMH Healthcare Foundation golf tournament assists us in developing the funds needed for our scholarship program, and it helps provide resources for capital projects,” Jay Gentry, TCMH Healthcare Foundation director, stated.

The Foundation awards four $1,000 scholarships during the school year—two in the spring and two in the fall—since 2006.   The scholarships are given to students in the TCMH service area that are pursuing additional education in a healthcare field.

The Healthcare Foundation has awarded over $75,000 in scholarship funds since the scholarship program began.

The Foundation is already accepting applications for two $1,000 scholarships and other Foundation administered scholarships that will be awarded for the fall academic semester.

For more information, or to reserve a place in the tournament, contact Gentry at (417) 967-1377.

#  #  #

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) Healthcare Foundation invites you to invest in the future of quality health care by supporting our brick paver program

Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) Healthcare Foundation invites you to invest in the future of quality health care by supporting our brick paver program.

Personalized pavers are a wonderful means of honoring others in a lasting, meaningful way, while supporting the Foundation. The bricks can be engraved with names and dates for different occasions, such as to commemorate an anniversary, celebrate an event, or placed as a memorial for a loved one. Birthday bricks may be purchase for children born at Texas County Memorial Hospital. Businesses and organizations are also encouraged to participate.

Gifts to the Foundation help assist Texas County Memorial Hospital in its mission to improve the health of the people and communities it serves.

Click Here for the Brochure and Mail Order Form

Click Here to Order Online

Where will the engraved pavers be installed?

Pavers will be installed in an area adjacent to the main hospital entrance where the front canopy support columns are located.new front entrance

What does my gift support?

Donations from the paver campaign improve patient care by supporting the completion of a new surgery facility.

What process is used to engrave the pavers?

Pavers are laser engraved to create the most durable and permanent paver marking in existence.

How often will bricks be installed?

Installation of pavers will occur twice a year in the fall and sprint until the designated area is full. Bricks will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional questions, contact jgentry@tcmh.org

Annual Golf Tournament Raises $18,100 for Local Charity

Houston, MO The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation raised $18,100 in cash and non-cash gifts at the Eleventh Annual Charitable Golf Tournament at Oakwood Golf Course in Houston on Sat., June 11.

Thirty-four teams participated in the 18-hole two-person scramble which was co-sponsored by The Missouri Foundation for Health, the corporate underwriter for the event.

The tournament had tee times at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. with prizes awarded to the top three teams in four categories—Championship Flight; A-Flight; B-Flight and C-Flight.  With a hole-in-one on hole five at the course, golfers had the opportunity to win 2016 Riverside travel trailer sponsored by Wehr RV of Mountain Grove.

Winners of the Championship Flight were Jeff Williams and Richard Williams who shot a 59, followed by Jon Williams and Jason Rowden with a 60 for second place and Daniel Black and Jason Bass with a score of 61 in third place.

A-Flight winners were Trent Jones and Shelby Gray in first place with a 65, followed by Justin Brown and John Thomas in second with a 66, and third place winners, Missouri State Representative Shawn Rhoads and Len Jones with a 67.

Winners of the B-Flight were Greg Smith and Jimbo Blackwell with a 69.  Tiebreaker rules were enforced for teams shooting the same score, so  also with a 69 but finishing second were Gary Lee and Bill Green.  Jasper Warren and Chris Keefer, with a 70, came in third.

C-Flight winners were Ralph Pennington and Tanner Carter with a 74.  Larry and Angie Barton shot a 74 for second place, and Scott Crump and Chuck Hicks finished third with a 75.

First and second place winners in all flights received cash prizes and trophies.  Third place winners in all flights received a cash prize.

Donna Jones and Edgar Scantlin were the women’s and men’s longest putt contest winners.

Men’s and women’s longest drive winners were Cory Clark and Angie Barton.

A “Vegas Par 3” closest to the pin contest was hosted and sponsored by Dr. Jim Perry, OD.  Donna Jones and Edgar Scantlin also won the contest.

“The Big Advantage” on the fourth hole allowed golfers to move up within 150 yards of the putting green and was sponsored by Justin Shelby of State Farm Insurance in Houston.  The game could reduce golf scores and included a closest to the pin contest.  Zach Kuczik and Richard Williams were the winners of “The Big Advantage”.

Jay Gentry, TCMH Healthcare Foundation director, indicated that the funds generated by the golf tournament will be used to fund scholarships for healthcare related educational fields and to provide resources for capital projects.

“We filled almost all of the available team slots, and we received numerous sponsorships from individuals and businesses for the tournament,” Gentry said.  “Both factors help make a great tournament.”

Gentry noted that the tournament also received corporate sponsorships from Emergency Medical Care, LLC and USA Radiology Management and support from many other businesses.

“The sponsorships and support allow us to put on a tournament with a lot of amenities for the participants,” Gentry said.  He also thanked the numerous volunteers and the staff at Oakwood for their time and efforts on behalf of the Foundation’s tournament.

“Some of our winners also donated their winnings back to the Foundation, which we greatly appreciate,” Gentry said.  “The Foundation is a local charity and all of the money we receive for the Foundation will remain in the county.”

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation is the non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the quality of healthcare services for children, women, and men at Texas County Memorial Hospital.   Funding for the Foundation comes from grateful patients and their families, community members and groups, and businesses that value healthcare in our area.  A board of community leaders from across the county directs the TCMH Healthcare Foundation and the funds held by the Foundation.

“Once again, this tournament has been very successful for the Healthcare Foundation,” Gentry said.

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation plans to hold the golf tournament fundraiser again in 2017.

#  #  #

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Holiday Giving Program Begins at Hospital

The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation will begin its sixth year of “Celebrate Our Memories” in partnership with TCMH Hospice of Care this week.

Beginning Fri., Nov. 27th a nine-foot Christmas tree in the front lobby of the hospital will hold Christmas ornaments that can be “gifted” and inscribed with the name or a message in honor or in memory of someone special in their life.

The Foundation will divide all funds generated by the program with another TCMH entity—Hospice of Care–so the Christmas program actually benefits two local charitable organizations.

As part of Celebrate Our Memories, those who have “gifted” an ornament will be invited to keep the ornament as a personal keepsake of their memory at the end of the holiday season, after the tree is removed from the hospital’s front lobby.

The ornaments are hung on the tree as they are gifted.   Sponsorship of one ornament is $20, and anyone can gift as many ornaments as they wish.  Ornaments can be gifted by groups or by individuals.  Gifted ornaments can honor a group, an individual such as a teacher, a parent, a friend, or other loved one.

Anyone who gifts an ornament can provide a name or message that will be inscribed on the ornament tag for them.

“It’s the goal of the Foundation and Hospice of Care to have at least 100 ornaments gifted in recognition of someone this holiday season,” Gentry said.

Hospice of Care uses the funding they receive from the program to provide hospice care, supplies and equipment for patients and their families in Texas county and surrounding areas.  The Healthcare Foundation uses their portion of the funds in meeting a mission of ensuring the quality of healthcare services for children, women and men at the county hospital.

“I am already soliciting and receiving sponsorships for the Celebrate Our Memories program,” he said.  “We hope to have several ornaments on the tree as soon as it goes up.”

Those who wish to gift an ornament should contact Courtney Owens, director of TCMH Hospice of Care at (417) 967-1279 for a form to fill out.  Forms are also available at the TCMH Auxiliary Gift Shop located at the front entrance to the hospital and on the Healthcare Foundation’s website, www.tcmhfoundation.org.

A letter of recognition will be sent to those who gift an ornament, and ornaments will be available for pick up at the hospital after the holiday season.

All proceeds from the program will remain in the area and directly impact the local community.  Any donation made to the TCMH Healthcare Foundation or to Hospice of Care is tax deductible.

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Last Call for TCMH Healthcare Foundation Tax Credits

The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation is making the last call for tax credits as the 2015 giving season comes to a close.

In July 2013, the Healthcare Foundation received $250,000 in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) to benefit the Care for Your Future campaign to build a new surgery department at TCMH.

The 50% tax credits awarded by the MDFB will help the TCMH Healthcare Foundation raise an additional $500,000 for the building project.  The Healthcare Foundation has until the end of the year to allocate all of the tax credits.

Because the tax credit program for the Healthcare Foundation will end this year, Jay Gentry, director of the Healthcare Foundation is trying to find businesses and individuals that need tax deductions before the end of the year or businesses and individuals that wish to offset their future tax liability.

“The tax credit program is another way for the Healthcare Foundation to provide a tax deduction for area businesses and individuals while adding to the healthcare infrastructure in our county,” Gentry explained.

Although the tax credits are a new fund raising tool for the Healthcare Foundation, Gentry confirmed that $96,500 in tax credits has already been allocated, which has raised $193,000 for the building project.

Tax credit eligible donations can be in the form of cash or marketable securities.

“The tax credits provide a unique opportunity for donors to receive the traditional federal income tax benefit as well as a Missouri tax credit,” Gentry said.

The tax credits can benefit individuals, estates, trusts and corporations that are subject to Missouri state income tax imposed under Chapter 143.

Gentry noted that depending upon a business or individuals’ tax bracket, a large donation could actually represent a small net donation cost to the donor.

The tax credits are transferable, too.

“The tax credits have a five-year carry forward provision,” Gentry said.  “They can be used in one year, spread out over several years or saved to be used in a lump sum up to five years after the donation.”

The credits are also sellable and transferable.  They must sell for no less than 75 percent or no more than 100 percent of their original value.

“The tax credits are sought by individuals and organizations from across the state, which is a great opportunity for the Healthcare Foundation,” Gentry said, explaining that some local businesses and individuals with state tax liability “jumped at the opportunity” for the tax credits.

“The tax credits are a great way for area residents to make a local impact with funds that would otherwise be owed in state taxes,” Gentry said.

Gentry explained that donors utilizing the tax credits will also be eligible for the naming opportunities available in the new construction.

In order to receive the donation credit for the 2015 tax year, the donation and MDFB paperwork must be completed and filed with MDFB by Thur., Dec. 31st.

“We are working hard to get the word out to those that might have a state tax liability for 2015, so they can make a difference with their tax dollars this year or by offsetting their tax liability in future years,” Gentry said.  He has been working with accounting firms and tax advisors throughout Southern Missouri in an effort to inform others about the tax credits.

“This is another great opportunity for the Healthcare Foundation to take advantage of additional funds to benefit our county and healthcare in our community, so we want to try to take advantage of every dollar available,” Gentry said.

Additional information about the tax credits is available online at www.tcmhfoundation.org or by contacting Gentry at (417) 967-4202.

 

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Chili Cook Off Raises $48,300 for Hospice of Care

The Ninth Annual Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation Chili Cook Off in Houston on November 7th raised $48,300 for TCMH Hospice of Care. About 300 people participated in the event at the Texas County Fairgrounds and Community Building, sampling 25 different chili recipes.

The Healthcare Foundation sponsors the annual Chili Cook Off to benefit Hospice of Care, and this year 17 cook off teams did their part by raising over $19,000 for the effort.

Members of “The Chili Warriors” from the TCMH Dietary department raised $3389.12 for Hospice of Care.

Members of “The Chili Warriors” from the TCMH Dietary department raised $3389.12 for Hospice of Care.

Five member teams adopted a theme, a team name, and set about raising funds for their team earlier in the year through “casual days” at work, yard sales, raffles, and bake sales.

The cook off teams set up booths according to their team theme on Friday and Saturday morning of the event. Some teams, like Licking United Methodist Church–“Heavenly Chili”–keep the same theme each year, offering up again Dutch oven cooked chili described as ”hotter than hell, but closer to heaven. The TCMH emergency medical services team participates with a different theme each year. This year the “EMS Misfits” dressed as elves from the Island of Misfits in the classic Christmas movie, “Rudolph”.

The TCMH EMS Misfits won the top Judges’ prize for their white, mild chili. They also were the top “TCMH Choice” by hospital employees that voted for their favorite hospital team.

The TCMH EMS Misfits won the top Judges’ prize for their white, mild chili. They also were the top “TCMH Choice” by hospital employees that voted for their favorite hospital team.

Members of the Houston Schools Administration brought “Restore the Roar” chili to the cook off.

Members of the Houston Schools Administration brought “Restore the Roar” chili to the cook off.

Houston R-1 School, “Restore the Roar” team designed their cook off booth like a parade float, and the school tiger mascot joined in the fun. The Houston Walmart Supercenter “Waverunners” set up a beachside bar to serve up their chili with sunscreen on their noses and floppy hats on their heads.

The Walmart Waverunners took home the 3rd place award for “Team Fundraising” with $2399.90 raised through fundraisers at the Houston Walmart Supercenter.

The Walmart Waverunners took home the 3rd place award for “Team Fundraising” with $2399.90 raised through fundraisers at the Houston Walmart Supercenter.

The team fundraising award was the final prize presented to the chili cook off teams on Saturday, and the “Chili Warriors”, a Native American themed team from the TCMH dietary department, won the top prize by raising $3,389.12.

Ebowla Chili-Team Jayson raised $2959.60 and won 2nd place for “Team Fundraising”. They Ebowla Chili team was organized in memory of Jayson Gentry of Cabool.

Ebowla Chili-Team Jayson raised $2959.60 and won 2nd place for “Team Fundraising”. They Ebowla Chili team was organized in memory of Jayson Gentry of Cabool.

“Ebowla Chili-Team Jayson” in memory of Jayson Gentry and representing Cabool State Bank, won the silver medal in team fundraising with a $2,959.60 donation from the team efforts. The Walmart Waverunners raised $2,399.90 to claim the third place spot for team fundraising.

“This event would not be possible without the incredible effort of the chili cook off teams,” Jay Gentry, TCMH Healthcare Foundation director, said.

Gentry noted that teams helped sell raffle tickets for a rifle, a quilt, and a 4-wheeler that were raffled at the end of the event.

Harold Sullins of Licking won the four-wheeler. Jen Ellis of Dixon won the rifle. Carol Honeywell of Licking won the handmade, queen-size quilt.

Harold Sullins of Licking purchased the winning ticket for the four-wheeler raffled at the cook off. He stands with his wife, Linda, by the ATV.

Harold Sullins of Licking purchased the winning ticket for the four-wheeler raffled at the cook off. He stands with his wife, Linda, by the ATV.

Three chili judges representing sponsors and supporters of the event were Earleen Holder from Progressive Ozark Bank in Houston; Conway Hawn from Anderson and Hawn Law Firm in Houston, and Bill Senter from Grace Manufacturing in Plato. Prizes were given to the chili teams who were competing in several different categories.

“Judges Choice” and first place went to “TCMH EMS Misfits” for their white, chicken chili. The judges awarded second place to the “Landmark Bank Lumberjacks” who had a white turkey and sausage chili. Third place went to Houston’s Mercy Clinic “Old Country Doc” team for a traditional red chili.

The A-Team Jailbirds served up the winning “Spiciest Chili” from behind bars and included chili dog or Frito pie options. The team also took home the “People’s Choice” award for the day.

The A-Team Jailbirds served up the winning “Spiciest Chili” from behind bars and included chili dog or Frito pie options. The team also took home the “People’s Choice” award for the day.

Several cook off teams entered a second type of chili in the “spiciest” category. One prize was awarded to the spiciest chili, and it went to “The A-Team” by Air Evac Lifeteam.

All teams had a team name and a theme. First place in the booth decorating category was won again by Community Bank N.A. with “Roaring Chili”, a speakeasy, 1920’s theme complete with flapper girls serving the chili.

Members of the “Roaring Chili” team from Community Bank NA won the award for best decorated booth.

Members of the “Roaring Chili” team from Community Bank NA won the award for best decorated booth.

The Houston FBLA constructed the front bow of a pirate ship and served up chili alongside a treasure chest of crackers, cheese and gold coins. The FBLA’s “One-Eyed Chili” won second place in the booth decorating contest.

The Houston Schools FBLA team served homemade chili from their handmade pirate ship. They won 2nd place for Best Decorated Booth at the cook off.

The Houston Schools FBLA team served homemade chili from their handmade pirate ship. They won 2nd place for Best Decorated Booth at the cook off.

The Air Evac “A-Team” deconstructed an outdoor dog kennel and used it to make a jail. Their inmates and jailer served up mild and spicy chili from behind the bars of the jail winning third place in the booth decorating contest.

Everyone in attendance was given a ballot for the “People’s Choice” in chili. The “A-Team” won first for people’s choice. “Team Spearpoint” won second place for their chili. Dr. Baldwin and the TCMH Medical Complex “Bootie Crew” came in third for people’s choice.

Maura Dill and Andy Durham enjoy chili from the “Ebowla Chili” team.

Maura Dill and Andy Durham enjoy chili from the “Ebowla Chili” team.

TCMH employees in attendance were given the opportunity to vote for the “TCMH Choice” among TCMH teams participating in the event. The TCMH EMS Misfits won the hospital employee award—their sixth time to claim the prize in nine years.

Dr. Christopher Baldwin from the TCMH Medical Complex delivered babies at the hospital the morning of the 7th and delivered red and white chili with his “Bootie Crew” at the cook off in the afternoon. They won 3rd place in the “People’s Choice” category.

Dr. Christopher Baldwin from the TCMH Medical Complex delivered babies at the hospital the morning of the 7th and delivered red and white chili with his “Bootie Crew” at the cook off in the afternoon. They won 3rd place in the “People’s Choice” category.

Silent auctions were followed by a live auction with auctioneer Darren Sheets. Before beginning the live auction at the cook off, Scheets talked about his experience with Hospice of Care.

Scheets explained that many of the area auctions he’s hired to do are preceded by the owner’s death, and many times the owner and the family members have received care through Hospice of Care.

“Hospice has provided care for a lot people in this area,” Sheets said. “They have been there for many.”

Dr. Jonathan Beers, medical director for TCMH Hospice of Care, also spoke to those in attendance prior to the auction.

“Our hospice team is here to provide care for parents, grandparents, sons, daughters. They are here for the whole family,” Beers said.

Beers explained that TCMH Hospice of Care offers services that rival hospice agencies in larger, metropolitan areas.

“I would put our hospice team against any of the other teams out there,” Beers said, thanking everyone for their donations to the local service which uses funds raised by the cook off every year to provide patient care for those without any means to pay for the service.

Sandy Eaton, licensed practical nurse with Hospice of Care and hospice volunteer coordinator, asked everyone to join her in a moment of silence for longtime hospice volunteer, Phyllis Arthur.

Master of ceremonies and KY3 meteorologist, Brandon Beck, gets some assistance in drawing one of the winning raffle tickets.

Master of ceremonies and KY3 meteorologist, Brandon Beck, gets some assistance in drawing one of the winning raffle tickets.

Brandon Beck, meteorologist at KY3 television station in Springfield and master of ceremonies at the event, interacted with those present, pausing for photos, chili tasting and weather-related jokes.

After Saturday’s event, the cook off raised $36,638 in cash donations and $11,662 in in-kind donations. All the proceeds raised by the Chili Cook Off support Hospice of Care and remain in Texas County to benefit area residents.

Donations came in the form of sponsorships by area businesses for chili teams, corporate and entertainment sponsorships, cash donations, and donations of items for the auctions. Chili teams also raised money prior to the event and at the event. A live auction, silent auctions, raffles and a cakewalk also provided entertainment during the day.

The Healthcare Foundation has a designated “Hospice Fund” where the cook off fund and other donations to Hospice of Care are held.

Plans are underway to hold the tenth annual chili cook off in the fall of 2016. More details about the event will be available from the Healthcare Foundation.

Tim Ceplina of Team Spearpoint serves up a cup of chili. The team’s red chili won 2nd place in the “People’s Choice” category.

Tim Ceplina of Team Spearpoint serves up a cup of chili. The team’s red chili won 2nd place in the “People’s Choice” category.

TCMH Healthcare Foundation Plans Annual Golf Tournament

Plans are underway for the tenth annual Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation Charitable Golf Tournament at Oakwood Golf Course in Houston on Saturday, June 13th.

The tournament is a two-person scramble, and a team can play for $120, which includes a cart, green fees, mulligans and lunch.  Tee times are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the tournament is limited to 40 teams.

Prizes will be awarded in four flights with three places in each flight.  The number of entrants in the tournament will determine prizes and flights.

There will be many prizes awarded including a hole in one prize and prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin.  Entrants will also be eligible for door prizes.

The TCMH Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the quality of healthcare services for children, women and men at TCMH.  The Missouri Foundation for Health has partnered with the Healthcare Foundation as the corporate underwriter for the event.

“The TCMH Healthcare Foundation golf tournament assists us in developing the funds needed for our scholarship program, and it helps provide resources for capital projects,” Jay Gentry, TCMH Healthcare Foundation director, stated.

The Foundation awards four $1,000 scholarships during the school year—two in the spring and two in the fall—since 2006.   The scholarships are given to students in the TCMH service area that are pursuing additional education in a healthcare field.

The Healthcare Foundation has awarded over $58,000 in scholarship funds since the scholarship program began.

The Foundation is already accepting applications for two $1,000 scholarships and other Foundation administered scholarships that will be awarded for the fall academic semester.

For more information, or to reserve a place in the tournament, contact Gentry at (417) 967-1377.

For additional information, contact:

Joleen Senter Durham, Director of Public Relations/Marketing

Texas County Memorial Hospital

Phone:  417/967-1258

Fax:  417/967-1291

joleen@tcmh.org

Holiday Giving Program Begins At Hospital

The Texas County Memorial Hospital Healthcare Foundation will begin its sixth year of “Celebrate Our Memories” in partnership with TCMH Hospice of Care this week.

Beginning Fri., Nov. 21st a nine-foot Christmas tree in the front lobby of the hospital will hold Christmas ornaments that can be “gifted” and inscribed with the name or a message in honor or in memory of someone special in their life.

The Foundation will divide all funds generated by the program with another TCMH entity—Hospice of Care, so the Christmas program actually benefits two local charitable organizations.

As part of Celebrate Our Memories, those who have “gifted” an ornament will be invited to keep the ornament as a personal keepsake of their memory at the end of the holiday season, after the tree is removed from the hospital’s front lobby.

The ornaments are hung on the tree as they are gifted.   Sponsorship of one ornament is $20, and anyone can gift as many ornaments as they wish.  Ornaments can be gifted by groups or by individuals.  Gifted ornaments can honor a group, an individual such as a teacher, a parent, a friend, or other loved one.

Anyone who gifts an ornament can provide a name or message that will be inscribed on the ornament tag for them.

“It’s the goal of the Foundation and Hospice of Care to have at least 100 ornaments gifted in recognition of someone this holiday season,” Gentry said.

Hospice of Care uses the funding they receive from the program to provide hospice care, supplies and equipment for patients and their families in Texas county and surrounding areas.  The Healthcare Foundation uses their portion of the funds in meeting a mission of ensuring the quality of healthcare services for children, women and men at the county hospital.

“I am already soliciting and receiving sponsorships for the Celebrate Our Memories program,” he said.  “We hope to have several ornaments on the tree as soon as it goes up.”

Those who wish to gift an ornament should contact Courtney Owens, director of TCMH Hospice of Care at (417) 967-1279 for a form to fill out.  Forms are also available at the TCMH Auxiliary Gift Shop located at the front entrance to the hospital and on the Healthcare Foundation’s website, www.tcmhfoundation.org.

A letter of recognition will be sent to those who gift an ornament, and ornaments will be available for pick up at the hospital after the holiday season.

All proceeds from the program will remain in the area and directly impact the local community.  Any donation made to the TCMH Healthcare Foundation or to Hospice of Care is tax deductible.