This is the second article published in our local newspaper that chronicled the growing interest in building a hospital. It explains how our building fund was established.

Pay It Forward

You may recall the movie “Pay It Forward.” It’s about a young boy who is inspired by an assignment from his teacher (Kevin Spacey) to make the world a better place. The boy (Haley Joel Osment) performs good deeds for three strangers, paying them "forward" instead of paying someone back, starting a chain reaction that reached national proportions. When the movie first came out there were inspirational stories around the country of people who were moved to do the same for others.

After my opinion piece, “Hold That Thought” was published in the Villager Journal, I received a check from a woman from another state. The donation was given in honor of the two local businesswomen, whose kindness to an out-of town couple inspired their contribution. This led to the establishment of the Hospital Vision Quest building fund.

An email preceded the arrival of the check. In it the woman said, “I too believe in positive energy. I'm interested in making a donation to your hospital. The donation illustrates the point that people committed to doing what is right create positive energy and make a difference.” She then added, “I think there is merit in fund-raisers whereby customers recognize businesses. People who experience good service might be inclined to give a dollar or two in appreciation of a business committed to the hospital fund. Dollars here and there add up. My mother was a nurse and my two nieces followed in her footsteps. I well understand the importance of good health care and a hospital to serve a community. I wish you the best in your mission.”

This is how a small town in Arkansas became involved in the “pay it forward” moment. A letter accompanied the $200 check. The contributor wrote, “The pride these two woman have for their town is heart-warming. As they wished, thanks to them, we left Hardy with a good feeling.”

The businesswomen are the recipients of the first Hospital Vision Quest Service Above Self certificate.