$50,000 Donated For Presbyterian Community Care Cruiser

The Charlotte Jumper Classic, the signature fundraising event for the Bobcats Charitable Foundation, has donated $50,000 to its 2006 event beneficiary, Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital. The donation has been earmarked to help fund the Presbyterian Hospital Community Care Cruiser, a 38-foot recreational vehicle that will travel to underserved communities in the Greater Charlotte area and provide primary and preventive medical care to children who need it most.

“As an organization, we are pleased to be able to give back to the children of the Charlotte community, said Robert Johnson. We look forward to continuing to grow the Charlotte Jumper Classic to make an even larger impact on the lives of youth.”

The Presbyterian Hospital Community Cruiser will strive to provide medical and preventative care to 500 youth in its first year. The cruiser will be led by a physician director, staff and volunteers and will visit targeted areas of the community to offer pediatric services. The overall goal of the mobile clinic is to decrease non-reimbursed costs and unnecessary ER visits, and improve the health of youth.

"Presbyterian's new mobile unit will provide a medical home to hundreds of children who are underserved in our community," said Carl Armato, CEO and president of Presbyterian Healthcare. "This community initiative is just one of many activities are organization is spearheading in order to eliminate disparities in healthcare."

The Charlotte Jumper Classic is an annual charitable event and an important stop on the million-dollar AGA Grand Prix circuit. The Fourth Annual Charlotte Jumper Classic will take place April 13-15, 2007 at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The 2007 Charlotte Jumper Classic will benefit the Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital and the Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, a local equine therapy program for disabled youth.