OVERLAND PARK, Kan., May 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black & Veatch, in support of Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, announced today that families from across the region will benefit from expanded health care as a result of the 2013 Black & Veatch Charity Golf Tournament.
The record $350,000 contribution raised during the event today helps expand the services of Children's Mercy's Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine. The center is the first genome center in the world located entirely inside a children's hospital. Its mission is to be the leading global referral center for the diagnosis, molecular understanding and treatment of inherited childhood diseases. Hundreds of children affected by unspecified inherited diseases are referred to Children's Mercy each year.
"We are so appreciative of the ongoing support from Black & Veatch," said David Daniel, Senior Director of Development and Campaign Operations for Children's Mercy. "This year, with their support for the Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, more children with rare genetic diseases will get faster diagnoses and faster treatment."
Black & Veatch and Children's Mercy have developed a strong relationship founded on their common commitment to improving the quality of life throughout the Kansas City region. The 17th Annual Event was held at the Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe, Kan., with 140 participants and 102 sponsors. Since its inception, the annual event has raised more than $2.5 million for the hospital.
"Children's Mercy Hospital has taken an active role in continually improving their facilities and services, and we are excited to support their ongoing efforts through our annual charity golf event," said Len C. Rodman, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch. "By supporting Children's Mercy through our Building a World of Difference Foundation, we, along with our many sponsors and supporters, are able together to make a difference in the lives of children in our community."
Each year, funds raised through the Black & Veatch tournament are designated for a specific area of need at Children's Mercy. Last year, funds went to help support construction of Children's Mercy East in Eastern Jackson County, Mo. The new facility is providing better service for local families, many of whom face financial burdens and challenges for transportation.
In previous years, tournament contributions funded renovations for Children's Mercy Clinics on Broadway. Funding has also been provided to the CARE Clinic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, robotic surgery, intensive care nursery, emergency department and urgent care center.
The Black & Veatch Annual Charity Golf Tournament is sponsored by the company's Foundation. Black & Veatch works closely with vendors, business partners, clients and the company's professionals whose support helps make the event possible. All proceeds from the event go directly to Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
Editor's Notes:
- Black & Veatch's Building a World of Difference Foundation serves as the platform for participation by the company and its professionals in supporting a variety of philanthropic organizations and programs worldwide.
- The Foundation, which aligns with the company's Mission, is a global, company-wide effort to help improve communities and lives around the world, especially where Black & Veatch professionals live and work, and where the company conducts business.
- Since its beginning, Black & Veatch and its professionals have been actively involved in supporting community needs. The Foundation builds on the company's history of community involvement by globally expanding Black & Veatch's overall philanthropic role, involvement and impact in our communities. In 2012, Black & Veatch contributed more than $1.5 million to over 100charitable and educational organizations around the world.
About Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, located in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers. The 354-bed hospital provides care for children from birth through the age of 21, and has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Children's Hospitals" and recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services. Its faculty of 600 pediatricians and researchers across more than 40 subspecialties are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research, and educating the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. For more information about Children's Mercy and its research, visit childrensmercy.org or download our mobile phone app CMH4YOU for all phone types. For breaking news and videos, follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building Critical Human Infrastructure™ in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2012 were US$3.3 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.