How do you take a serious topic like raising money for the enhancement of PHC’s labor and delivery department and turn it into something fun? Introducing PHC Foundation’s first (but not last) “Duck Race” at the Farmington Water Park.
A total of 529 rubber duckies competed in the race, with the winning duck belonging to Natalie Sparkman, PHC finance project manager, who won a prize package worth over $1,500.
As part of the event, four good-natured BJC leaders agreed to race one another on large inflatable ducks. Employees and friends donated to their choice of collection jars to decide who should race. Those contending for the “Duck Dash” included Tom Karl, PHC president; Tom’s wife Barbi Karl, BJC Behavioral Health VP; Cheri Goldsmith, PHC director of finance; and Heather Taliaferro, PHC VP of patient care services and chief nursing officer. While the Karls were selected to face off for the trophy, Goldsmith and Taliaferro agreed to race each other just for fun.
“It started out as a close race, but Barbi pulled ahead around the first turn, winning the First Annual “Quacktastic” Duck Trophy!” said Carla Crocker, Foundation coordinator.
According to Crocker, the event raised over $3,000. “What a great start to the Foundation’s campaign to raise funds for the enhancement of the labor and delivery department.”
The PHC Foundation chose labor and delivery as a fundraising project to help the hospital renovate and update the department and add important medical equipment. The Foundation has committed $245,000 to the project.
The next fundraiser to benefit the enhancement of labor and delivery will be held October 5 at Weingarten Vineyards. The Foundation B.A.S.H. (Building a Superior Hospital) will include a delicious meal catered by Weingarten Vineyard plus music, games, wagon rides and more. Learn more here.
The Parkland Health Center Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that was established in 2009. Its mission is to secure philanthropic support to enhance Parkland’s ability to provide excellent care with great compassion.
For more information about the Foundation, contact Carla Crocker at 573.760.8523 or [email protected].