PHILANTHROPY
The Medical Leader is published weekly by Pikeville Medical Center.
City preps for
Hillbilly Heaven: Coca-Cola starts countdown to annual hoedown
with check presentation
By: Teddy Paynter - teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org, Staff Writer
Published: 04/11/2008
The Medical Leader / TEDDY PAYNTER
TOAST OF THE TOWN: Shriner Jimmy Kinney performed his annual Hillbilly Toast at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Coca-Cola Shriners luncheon at Gattiland in Pikeville. Hillbilly Days runs from April 17-19 in Pikeville.
PIKEVILLE — Coca-Cola District Sales Manager Kevin Rose never realized the kind of work the Shriners did for children when it came to health care.
“They deserve a big applause for what they do,” Rose told those gathered Tuesday afternoon for the kickoff of the 2008 Hillbilly Days in downtown Pikeville. The annual event runs April 17-19.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind, international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.
Coca-Cola presented the Lexington Shriners Hospital with a check for $6,000. Coca- Cola also presented a check to Clan 1, Outhouse 2 for $2,500.
Lexington Shriners Hospital administrator Tony Lewgood said no town across the region comes together to support the facilities like the “Hillbillies” of eastern Kentucky.
“We can’t thank you enough for the hard work and dedication that goes into making this such a magnificent event,” Lewgood said.
Lewgood extended a special thanks to Clan 1, Outhouse 2 for helping kids defy the odds through generous support from Hillbilly Day activities.
“I just want to take a minute and personally thank the Chamber of Commerce, Coca-Cola, county government and all you Hillbillies for your donations,” Legwood said.
Hillbilly Jimmy Kinney said the local clan raised over $161,000 last year and is hopeful the number will increase this year.
Imperial Raban Clyde Blevins said his group was proud to be working with a group of people who want to help children.
“We started this clan to help children who need medical attention,” Blevins said. “This year we’ll surpass over $8 million we’ve given to the hospitals.”
Potentate Jerry McConnell said he was honored to be a Shriner.
“Hillbillies are working as hard as ever to provide hospitals with the supplies they need for treatment to our children,” he said. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a familycentered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need.
Pike County Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said the growth of Hillbilly Days has reached beyond anything locals could have ever imagined.
“Coca-Cola, the city of Pikeville and the county have financially supported this from the beginning,” Rutherford said. “It’s truly been a blessing that God has given us such a great event in eastern Kentucky.”
Pike County chamber representative Randy Roberts said his group was pleased to be a part of the second largest event in the Bluegrass State.
“If you love what you do it’s not work at all,” Roberts said.
By: Teddy Paynter - teddy.paynter@pikevillehospital.org, Staff Writer
Published: 04/11/2008
The Medical Leader / TEDDY PAYNTER
TOAST OF THE TOWN: Shriner Jimmy Kinney performed his annual Hillbilly Toast at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Coca-Cola Shriners luncheon at Gattiland in Pikeville. Hillbilly Days runs from April 17-19 in Pikeville.
PIKEVILLE — Coca-Cola District Sales Manager Kevin Rose never realized the kind of work the Shriners did for children when it came to health care.
“They deserve a big applause for what they do,” Rose told those gathered Tuesday afternoon for the kickoff of the 2008 Hillbilly Days in downtown Pikeville. The annual event runs April 17-19.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a-kind, international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.
Coca-Cola presented the Lexington Shriners Hospital with a check for $6,000. Coca- Cola also presented a check to Clan 1, Outhouse 2 for $2,500.
Lexington Shriners Hospital administrator Tony Lewgood said no town across the region comes together to support the facilities like the “Hillbillies” of eastern Kentucky.
“We can’t thank you enough for the hard work and dedication that goes into making this such a magnificent event,” Lewgood said.
Lewgood extended a special thanks to Clan 1, Outhouse 2 for helping kids defy the odds through generous support from Hillbilly Day activities.
“I just want to take a minute and personally thank the Chamber of Commerce, Coca-Cola, county government and all you Hillbillies for your donations,” Legwood said.
Hillbilly Jimmy Kinney said the local clan raised over $161,000 last year and is hopeful the number will increase this year.
Imperial Raban Clyde Blevins said his group was proud to be working with a group of people who want to help children.
“We started this clan to help children who need medical attention,” Blevins said. “This year we’ll surpass over $8 million we’ve given to the hospitals.”
Potentate Jerry McConnell said he was honored to be a Shriner.
“Hillbillies are working as hard as ever to provide hospitals with the supplies they need for treatment to our children,” he said. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a familycentered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need.
Pike County Judge- Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said the growth of Hillbilly Days has reached beyond anything locals could have ever imagined.
“Coca-Cola, the city of Pikeville and the county have financially supported this from the beginning,” Rutherford said. “It’s truly been a blessing that God has given us such a great event in eastern Kentucky.”
Pike County chamber representative Randy Roberts said his group was pleased to be a part of the second largest event in the Bluegrass State.
“If you love what you do it’s not work at all,” Roberts said.
