Springdale, AR - Lou Jorgenson, President of the Northwest Medical Center of Washington County Auxiliary, presented a check for $190,000 on September 14 to Gene Groseclos, Chair of the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation (NWACF) and Suzanne Ward, Executive Director. Not only does this gift add to the fund established by the Auxiliary in NWACF, it also represents $3 million dollars in giving over the past 48 years by the organization.

"All of us involved with the Auxiliary are thrilled to know this check helps us reach the $3 million dollar mark in giving to this community. We are also pleased to be able to add to our existing donor fund and be able to recommend grants while utilizing the expertise and financial management experience of the Foundation," explained Jorgenson.

Groseclos echoed Jorgenson's statements by stating " that NWACF feels honored to be a part of this important milestone in reaching the $3 million mark in raising and disbursing funds. NWACF sees its mission as one of assisting the Auxiliary and other donor-advised funds to find qualified grant recipients."

The Northwest Medical Auxiliary was founded in April, 1952, before the actual opening of the Springdale Memorial Hospital (later called Northwest Medical Center of Washington County) in September of that year. The Auxiliary made the decision to establish a donor-advised fund in NWACF after the sale of the hospital. According to Jorgenson, this new arrangement has proven to be a pleasant surprise.

"For so many years, we were pleased to be able to raise money and present the check or checks to the hospital to be used where the greatest need existed. Now, we actually get to review applicants and organizations and recommend grants to a broader range of causes," said Jorgenson.

The Auxiliary established a donor-advised form a few months ago and has now recommended six grants for $49,000 which were approved by the NWACF Board of Directors. The Auxiliary raises its money from the gift shop in the Northwest Medical Hospital and the thrift shop located at 400 Park Street in Springdale, both run by volunteers with the Auxiliary. Their July grants included:

Bentonville Public Schools - $3,000 in general operating support for the Bentonville Education and Enrichment Program.

Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative - $12,000 in general operating support for the Early Childhood Program.

Washington County Teen Court - $6,000 to purchase equipment and pay for travel expenses.

August grants:
Ozark Literacy Council - $8,000 to expand the number of small group classics in basic reading and English as a Second Language.

Springdale Public Library - $10,000 to purchase high-risk behavior and health materials for youth in book, audio, video, CD and other appropriate format in English and Spanish.

Telephone Pioneers of America - $10,000 to produce and distribute the book I Like Me to kindergarten students in Benton, Washington, and Madison counties.