The Baptist Health Foundation Board of Trustees is known for bringing fabulous speakers, authors and celebrities to speak at their annual Bolo Bash Luncheon, and according to board member Terri Snowden, this year continues the tradition.
“This year’s Bolo Bash will feature Kathryn Stockett, author of ‘The Help.’ We have actually been sold out since early January and couldn’t be happier with all of the movie accolades recently,” said Snowden. “The event will raise funds to support the eICU and telehealth programs at the hospital. Both programs are vital to Baptist Health and the people of Arkansas. The board is very excited and grateful for the community’s support of this annual event.”
If you haven’t read “The Help” or seen the recently Oscar-nominated and heavily awarded film, you are missing out. “The Help” tells the story of three extraordinary women who live and work in 1960s-era Jackson, Mississippi. The novel and the film portray the lives of two black maids, Aibileen and Minny, who work for well-to-do families in Jackson. Their lives are turned upside down when a young white woman, Skeeter, asks them to tell her their perspective of being “the help.”
Stockett was born and raised in Jackson. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and creative writing, she moved to New York City to work in magazine publishing and marketing. She will be speaking at the luncheon about her book, the movie and other topics.
Snowden is proud to host Stockett and the Bolo Bash, not only because she believes in the cause, but also because of her own story. “My interest in the Baptist Foundation stems from the amazing care that the doctors, nurses and administrative staff provided to my children during the extensive time they spent in the NICU,” Snowden explained. “Serving on the foundation board is my way of giving back to the institution and communicating to others my positive experience at a crucial time.”
She contined, “Our children, Anne-Elizabeth and David, were born 3 months premature on July 20, 1989. This was a difficult period due to all of the uncertainty, but the extraordinary effort and attention from the doctors and nurses on behalf of my children and the willingness of the administration to go the extra mile pulled them through.”
Snowden’s main roles as a board member consist of raising awareness for Baptist Health and assisting their fundraising efforts. “This year’s luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 18, at Baptist Health’s Gilbreath Center,” she said. “The Bolo Bash consists of the luncheon and a golf tournament. Our golf tournament is a two-day event held at Chenal Country Club. Hosting over 500 people annually, we are the largest tournament in the state. More than 120 volunteers work over the two days. Each player receives a fabulous gift and has opportunities for a skills challenge contest.”
Snowden is grateful for the community’s support of Bolo Bash year after year. “It is truly a reflection of the effort put into this event by the Bolo Bash committee and the foundation staff,” she said. “The event is looked forward to by a lot of people. It’s a fun event that supports Baptist Health, and this year is no exception.”
Bolo Bash Golf Tournament
When: 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. tee times; Monday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 1
Where: Chenal Country Club
What: Breakfast and lunch are provided for morning golfers and lunch and after-play snacks for afternoon golfers.
Sponsorships: Rebecca Scaife, 202-1207, or Marci Burns, 202-1213