Photos: Philanthropists celebrate historic achievement
A check presentation, news conference and gathering of donors and steering committee members made June 7 memorable for Children’s of Mississippi and its supporters.

Children's of Mississippi patient Jordyn Braxton of Jackson gives a hug during a Friends of Children's Hospital check presentation earlier in the day.

Wesley Smith, Children's of Mississippi director of nursing, pediatric emergency services and pediatric intensive care, and his wife, Sheri Smith, and PICU nurse manager Gordon Gartrell smile at a celebration for the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi at the Fairview Inn.

Smiling at the end of a six-year philanthropic effort, Joe F. Sanderson talks with Campaign for Children's of Mississippi Steering Committee members and supporters.

Dr. Paul Parker and wife Kerry, Campaign for Children's of Mississippi Steering Committee members, smile at a Fairview Inn reception.

Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, speaks at a reception celebrating the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi surpassing its $100 million goal.

From left are Woodward; Sanderson Farms CEO and board chairman Sanderson and wife Kathy; Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics; and Children's of Mississippi CEO Guy Giesecke.

Stephen Sims, director of the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, tells of the foundation's support of the state's only children's hospital.

Sims, left, president Cheryle Sims and vice president and treasurer John Lewis present a $2.5 million donation to the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi.

Kathy Sanderson, who with husband Joe Sanderson chaired the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi, greets Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs, and Woodward.

Taylor notes the improvements in pediatric care at UMMC since the opening of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children's of Mississippi in 2020.

Celebrating a $500,000 donation from Friends of Children's Hospital are, from left, Suzanne Crell, UMMC major gifts officer; Meredith Aldridge, UMMC executive director of development; Teresa Matthews, Friends of Children's Hospital business manager; John Scarbrough, Friends board chairman; Taylor; Kristin Allen, Friends chair-elect; Giesecke; Leslie Campbell, Friends community relations and special events manager; and Mary Clair Kelly, Friends communications and marketing manager.

Sanderson launched the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi in 2016 with his wife, Kathy.

Campaign for Children's of Mississippi supporters Hoppy Cole, left, and Jerome Brown share a laugh with campaign chair Sanderson and her daughter, Katy Sanderson Creath.

From left Cheryle Sims, Stephen Sims and Lewis present a donation of $2.5 million to the Campaign for Children's of Mississippi as Woodward looks on.