Bainum Foundation donates to Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Contact)

HOT SPRINGS — The Bainum Foundation recently donated $5,000 to the Mercy Health Foundation of St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center. According to a release from the hospital, the funds will be used to refurbish the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center’s waiting room.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation,” said Larry Levi, chairman of the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center. “We will use the money to create a child-friendly environment that kids can see as soon as they walk in the front door.”

The center, located just off St. Joseph’s campus near the old fairgrounds at 216 McAuley Court, is the state’s first and only hospital-based child advocacy center, according to a release.

“Our family is committed to helping organizations like this one improve the quality of life for children and families in this part of Arkansas,” Dr. Duke Bainum said. “We’re very proud that our foundation can play a role in developing this facility.”

Bainum’s mother, Eva, also said that as a mother and grandmother, “it touches me deeply to see the work that the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center is doing. Every child should have a place where they feel safe, and I’m happy we can be a part of this one.”

St. Joseph’s founded the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center in 2003 after it was learned the 18th Judicial District (Garland County) was among the state’s top three when it comes to filings of child maltreatment reports.

For information about services provided by the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center, call (501) 622-2531.

Tri-Lakes, Pages 133 on 05/11/2008