J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Donate $5 Million To Mercy Health System

ROGERS, Ark. (June 14, 2004) – J.B. and Johnelle Hunt have made a $5 million pledge to Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas' capital campaign, Building World-class Healthcare, the northwest Arkansas Way.

"We are very pleased to be able to support Mercy in its plans to provide world-class healthcare to our area," said J.B. Hunt. "Mercy is a valuable resource in our community and one that we're proud to support."

The Mercy project is more than just bricks and mortar. "Our vision for the future is not just a shiny new facility", explains Susan Barrett, CEO of Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas. "We are taking great strides in transforming healthcare with the help of our great medical professionals and the tremendous support that has been shown to us by our northwest Arkansas community. We are so grateful for the generosity of J.B. and Johnelle to help make this dream a reality. We are also grateful for all they have done to help people either through personal ministry in their church or daily kindness to one person at a time. They are truly great people."

Executive Director of Development, Clark Ellison, expressed gratitude that "J.B. and Johnelle have chosen to help strengthen the health of northwest Arkansas residents and help build the new campus that will benefit numerous people. We're so thankful to have the Hunts' support and for their love of mankind."

With a July 2007 anticipated opening, the Mercy medical campus will be funded through operational gains, investments and reinvestments totalling $100 million and a $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, and outpatient services. A 150,000 square-foot medical office building to accommodate 90 physicians will complete the campus. Mercy will be the first true destination healthcare facility in northwest Arkansas with medical care centered around a digital environment through applied information technology.

"There are so many great people right here in northwest Arkansas and I'm excited to be a part of this campaign," said Dick Trammel, a Mercy campaign cabinet member. "I have enjoyed J. B. and Johnelle's friendship for many years and I am so appreciative of their generous gift to Mercy - they truly reflect a caring attitude and the spirit of northwest Arkansas!"