OVERLAND PARK, Kan., May 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fielding players and supporters from across a diverse mix of geographies and companies, the 2014 Black & Veatch Charity Golf Tournament today raised $350,000 in support of Children's Mercy. Proceeds donated to Children's Mercy from the annual event have now surpassed $2.85 million since its inception 18 years ago.
Today's contributions will help expand the services of the Children's Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine. The Center, whose mission is to be the leading global referral center for the diagnosis, molecular understanding and treatment of inherited childhood diseases, is the first of its kind. Through the support of the Building a World of Difference Foundation and other organizations, hundreds of families affected by unspecified inherited diseases are referred to and treated by Children's Mercy each year.
"The support of Black & Veatch and its Building a World of Difference Foundation continues to help families from across the region and around the world," said Charles C. Roberts MD Executive Medical Director/Executive Vice President. for Children's Mercy. "This annual event helps our team of world-class, dedicated pediatric health care leaders design and provide resources to families challenged by rare genetic diseases. The medical breakthroughs happening at Children's Mercy have the potential to transform future medicine. We are grateful for the generous community support that helps make that possible."
The 18 th Annual Event was held at the Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe, Kan. All proceeds from the event go directly to Children's Mercy.
"Black & Veatch, through our Building a World of Difference Foundation, is proud to support a cause that also makes a difference in the lives of children and their families," said Steve Edwards, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch. "They have provided a truly remarkable increase in advanced health care services for children throughout the region and can be counted among the world's best and most sought after destinations for pediatric medicine."
Each year, funds raised through the Black & Veatch tournament are designated for a specific area of need at Children's Mercy, and 2013 marked the first year that funds went to support Children's Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine.
In previous years, tournament contributions funded construction and renovations for Children's Mercy East in Eastern Jackson County and Children's Mercy Broadway. Funding has also been provided to the CARE Clinic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, robotic surgery, neonatal intensive care nursery, emergency department and urgent care centers.
Editor's Notes:
- The Children's Mercy's Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine is the first of its kind located entirely inside a children's hospital.
- 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.
- 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. Since its inception Black & Veatch's foundation has made more than $5.5 million in charitable and educational donations around the world.
About Children's Mercy
Children's Mercy, located in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers. The 354-bed, not-for-profit 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." For the third time in a row, Children's Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to fewer than seven percent of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. 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 than a century, Children's Mercy has provided the highest level of medical care to every child who passes through its doors, made possible through generous community support. For more information about Children's Mercy and its research, visit childrensmercy.org . 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 2013 were US$3.6 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.
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