Mercy Health System Receives $1.25 Million Pledge From Linda and Lee Scott

ROGERS, Ark. (June 18, 2004) – Linda and Lee Scott of Rogers announced today a $1.25 million pledge to Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas’ capital campaign to transform healthcare in northwest Arkansas.

Linda Scott, who serves as a campaign advocate for Mercy’s capital campaign and Lee Scott, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., said the gift includes a $1 million campaign pledge and a $250,000 matching gift pledge.

The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $40 million to help build a world-class medical campus on I-540 that will change the landscape of healthcare in Northwest Arkansas. The Scotts’ donation will finance new technology, implement new operational systems, learning labs and a technology information center.

“As Rogers and Northwest Arkansas continue to grow, it is critical that our local citizens and families have access to world-class healthcare,” Mrs. Scott said. “Lee and I feel that this project will make a significant contribution in this area, and to the overall quality of life of this region.”

Susan Barrett, President and CEO Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas, applauded Linda and Lee who have embraced the vision to transform healthcare in Northwest Arkansas.

“American hospitals and medical services have weathered many changes in the past 50 years,” said Barrett. “The healthcare industry is experiencing an unparalleled era of innovation in sophisticated technologies. Our new campus will be designed with seamless processes that focus on what is best for patients and their families – quality and safety. This model is similar to Wal-Mart’s visionary and effective use of information technology to better serve their customers. We are so blessed that Lee and Linda are involved in this transformation.”

Mercy’s Executive Director of Development, Clark Ellison, said the Scotts’ gift brings the capital campaign total to $18 million.

“Our capital campaign advocates are our biggest asset,” Ellison said. “They believe in the cause and have shared their enthusiasm throughout this community. We are so grateful to Linda and Lee for pledging their time and financial support to this vision. We hope their actions will inspire others to join this effort.”

With a July 2007 anticipated opening, the $140 million Mercy medical campus will be funded through operational gains, investments and reinvestments totalling $100 million and the $40 million capital fund-raising campaign.

Mercy's 21st century medical campus will be anchored by a 350,000-square-foot medical center with 200 beds and emergency services. The campus will include care in cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, outpatient services and a medical office building to accommodate 90 physicians.

Campaign Cabinet Member Carl Baggett added, "we are so grateful that Linda and Lee have stepped forward and made such a generous leadership gift. The timing could not be better. This is one of the most ambitious campaigns ever attempted by a non-profit in Northwest Arkansas. Their gift reassures me we are on the right track and that we will succeed."