The Northwest Mississippi Community College Division of Nursing received a check for $40,000 from the Shoot for the Heart fundraiser held in April. The Shoot for the Heart event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
In 1999, just one month after Keith Wilson was transferred to Nashville for work, he became a heart patient at Saint Thomas Hospital and learned that he would need open-heart surgery. After a successful surgery and intensive rehabilitation, Wilson returned to work and daily activities. However, the cardiac event was a defining experience, and Wilson wanted to express his gratitude by helping other heart patients receive the same expert care.
Wilson, an avid sporting clays enthusiast, started an annual “Shoot for the Heart” event at the Willows Sporting Clays Center in Tunica. The amount of $40,000 was raised at this year’s event.
Total amount given since 2011 to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Division of nursing is $284,000. Those funds help keep the promise Wilson made after his life changing experience. The funds will be used for equipment and supplies, and a portion of the money will be set aside for nursing scholarships.
“The Community Foundation is proud to help with the Shoot for the Heart event”, said Community Foundation President Tom Pittman. “We especially enjoy helping raise the money that will make such a difference in the health and well-being of our community.”