In light of a rise in COVID-19 cases, organizers recently made the tough decision to cancel this year’s Bolo Bash Luncheon. The event, initially set for Sept. 1, was designed to raise funds for the Baptist Health Breast Center in Little Rock in order to purchase a 3D mammogram machine and make needed repairs to the facility that screens, diagnoses and treats breast disease in Arkansans.
But a canceled event won’t stop co-chairs Lauren and Nate Steel and Dr. Jamie and John Robert Bizzell from spreading the word about Baptist Health, especially now. Here’s what they had to say.
What inspired you to first get involved with the Baptist Health Foundation?
Baptist Health is known for being a pillar in our community. The hospital provides the highest standards of care (together our two families have given birth to five children there, so we know it well!), and the foundation touches so many parts of our community and our state. The high-quality reputation initially attracted us, but after learning a bit more, we were very drawn to Baptist Health Foundation’s multi-faceted approach to improving health.
The foundation has programs designed to provide access to healthy food for Arkansans, train our youth to be active and make better lifestyle choices, support families of patients by providing lodging near the hospital while a loved one is receiving care, etc. These initiatives designed to improve the overall quality of life in our state are largely why we are so proud to be a part of the Baptist Health Foundation.
Despite the cancellation of this year’s event, how are you encouraging people to support Baptist Health?
Even though the event as we originally planned it is canceled, we will still provide creative and fun ways to support the Breast Cancer Center. The team is working through the logistics of that now, and will be publishing details soon. Stay tuned!
In serving and dedicating time to the foundation, what keeps you coming back?
It goes without saying that the initiatives mentioned above are a major part of it. But importantly, the people we have gotten to work with at the foundation are a key piece as well! Lena Moore is a truly amazing leader for the foundation, Heather Zimmerman has been such a joy to work with on this event and the other board members are intelligent, humble leaders of the community who we are proud to associate with and learn from. As with any organization, the people involved are everything!
For more information and updates on future events, visit the Baptist Health Foundation website.