Mercy room renovations progressing

Corporate and private sponsors have donated more than $250,000 to the hospital in recent months, as part of a campaign to renovate and modernize 16 patient rooms.

That work is expected to be completed this summer. Since 2011, workers have been renovating only one room at a time, so as not to disrupt patient care.

"We knew this process would take longer than normal," hospital President Kristy Estrem said, "... (but) the finished product is truly remarkable."

The renovations include new patient beds, chairs, tables, furnishings, ceilings, wall coverings, window treatments, flooring, lighting, heating and air conditioning units, shower fixtures, and bathroom tiling.

The Mercy Hospital Berryville Foundation began raising funds for the project in 2010, during the annual Black and White Charity Ball, with a goal of $250,000. That goal has since been exceeded, with $250,188.89 raised to date.

The campaign received its first big boost when Mercy Auxiliary-Berryville donated $25,000 and pledged a further $25,000 if a matching donor could be found. Wayne and Janet Clark took that challenge, adding another $50,000 toward the Foundation's goal.

The Auxiliary later contributed an additional $20,000 to purchase flat screen televisions for each room, for a total contribution of over $70,000.

Many local businesses have also stepped forward. Those who have made $10,000 contributions include Cornerstone Bank, First National Bank of North Arkansas, First National Bank of Green Forest, Northwest Arkansas Pathology Associates, and Tyson Foods, Inc.

Local physician Dr. Richard Taylor also donated $10,000 to the campaign.

Donors who contributed $5,000 include Bill Ray, Estrem, Richard Harp, and The Walton Family Foundation.

Other businesses and individuals who have made the renovations possible include the following: First Federal Bank-Savings & Loan, Poynor Drug Store, Mercy Hospice Care-Berryville, William Dettwiller Memorial, Alice George, Allen and Marci Rogers, Rob Boaz, Bob Grudek, Bryan and Lydia King, Butch Hanby, Carolyn Bosshardt, Charles Bacon, Gene Porter, Gerald L. Harp, Judith Colclasure, John and Eva Reeve, Keith and June Ham, Robert West, Judge Sam Barr, Sharon Spurlin, Suzanne Villines, physicians and co-workers of Mercy Hospital Berryville, and many others.

"We are so grateful to every donor, coworker, auxiliary member, and physician who has been a part of this project," said Foundation Executive Director Cody Qualls. "It's amazing to see how this community can pull these resources together and make a positive difference for our patients and the community."