Black & Veatch charity golf tournament raises $350,000

Overland Park, Kan. — Fielding players and supporters from across a diverse mix of geographies and companies, the 2014 Black & Veatch Charity Golf Tournament raised $350,000 in support of Children's Mercy, one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers. Proceeds donated to Children's Mercy from the annual event have now surpassed $2.85 million since its inception 18 years ago.

Today's contributions will help expand the services of the Children's Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine. The Center, whose mission is to be the leading global referral center for the diagnosis, molecular understanding and treatment of inherited childhood diseases, is the first of its kind. Through the support of the Building a World of Difference Foundation and other organizations, hundreds of families affected by unspecified inherited diseases are referred to and treated by Children's Mercy each year.

"The support of Black & Veatch and its Building a World of Difference Foundation continues to help families from across the region and around the world," said Charles C. Roberts MD Executive Medical Director/Executive Vice President for Children's Mercy. "This annual event helps our team of world-class, dedicated pediatric health care leaders design and provide resources to families challenged by rare genetic diseases. The medical breakthroughs happening at Children's Mercy have the potential to transform future medicine. We are grateful for the generous community support that helps make that possible."

The 18th Annual Event was held at the Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe, Kan. All proceeds from the event go directly to Children's Mercy.

"Black & Veatch, through our Building a World of Difference Foundation, is proud to support a cause that also makes a difference in the lives of children and their families," said Steve Edwards, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch. "They have provided a truly remarkable increase in advanced health care services for children throughout the region and can be counted among the world's best and most sought after destinations for pediatric medicine."

Each year, funds raised through the Black & Veatch tournament are designated for a specific area of need at Children's Mercy, and 2013 marked the first year that funds went to support Children's Mercy Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine.

In previous years, tournament contributions funded construction and renovations for Children's Mercy East in Eastern Jackson County and Children's Mercy Broadway. Funding has also been provided to the CARE Clinic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, robotic surgery, neonatal intensive care nursery, emergency department and urgent care centers.