Reliable Chevrolet Donates to Mercy NICU
Reliable Chevrolet has proven it has the driving force to make big things happen. During May, Reliable Chevrolet donated $50 for every car sold to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mercy Hospital Springfield. In just one month, the car dealer raised an incredible $17,500. Randall Hargis, general manager at Reliable Chevrolet, had a very personal reason for helping with the continued renovation of the NICU.
“I credit the Mercy NICU with saving the life of my grandson, Aiden,” Hargis shared. “He was born 3 months premature and his outlook seemed very bleak, but the amazing doctors and nurses of the Mercy NICU saved his life. As we near his second birthday I honestly cannot imagine my life without him in it. Hopefully this gesture will give these incredible people the heartfelt thank you they deserve.”
At the check presentation, Dr. Melinda Slack, NICU medical director, emphasized the importance of this generous contribution to our youngest patients and their families. “We are so grateful to Reliable Chevrolet for its commitment to the NICU. These funds are so important for the emergent needs of our patients and families. Every dollar makes a difference.”
Renovation work continues on Phase II of the Betty and Bobby Allison NICU at Mercy Hospital Springfield. Phase I opened in December 2012, and features individual family rooms - including larger “twin” rooms for multiple-birth families. Large sliding glass doors and the latest technology mean nurses can still keep a constant watch over the babies, but their families will also have the room they need to sit quietly with their newborns. The project also expands the NICU, nearly doubling its capacity to care for tiny infants.
Reliable Chevrolet continues to partner with Mercy Springfield offering Mercy co-workers a Preferred Partner Pricing program. Reliable Chevrolet will donate $50 to the Mercy Crisis Fund for every car purchased by a Mercy co-worker.
*Photo cutline (L-R): John Smittle, Reliable Chevrolet; Randall Hargis, Reliable Chevrolet; Dr. MelindaSlack, medical director of Mercy Springfield NICU; Sallie Hazelrigg, Mercy Philanthropy regional vice president; Bob Hammerschmidt, Mercy Health Foundation Board chairman; Brent Singley, Reliable Chevrolet.