Mercy Ships Gets Big Donation

GARDEN VALLEY – Smith County-based Mercy Ships has received a gift of stock in the amount of $1,015,635.19 from Dallas based philanthropist and longtime Mercy Ships supporter Mrs. Annette Simmons. In making the announcement, Don Stephens, Founder and President of Mercy Ships, stated, �The worldwide economic situation has been difficult for all charities, and annually the slowest month of the year is August. This gift could not have come at a better time as the needs of the poor know no calendar. We are honored and blessed to have Annette come forward to join us and provide an opportunity of life to those we serve.

Mercy Ships utilizes hospital ships to deliver free medical care provided by volunteer crew to areas of substantial need around the world. According to statistics offered by Mercy Ships, more than 200,000 children die a week in impoverished nations due to the lack of proper food sources and standard medical care. Mrs. Simmons said, �I�ve known of Mercy Ships for quite a while and wanted to give this gift for a long time. My particular focus and interest is children. What Mercy Ships does for children with their remarkable surgeons on their hospital Ship in Africa is wonderful!�

Myron (Mike) Ullman, Chairman of the Board � Mercy Ships International, responded, �Mercy Ships makes eminent business sense. All professional crew onboard the hospital ship raise their own financial support and actually pay monthly room and board. This allows the funds donated to be used for the delivery of critical healthcare to those most in need.� You can log on to http”//www.mercyships.org to learn more about Mercy Ships.