Zippity donation makes for wonderful day at Batson

The Fondren Renaissance Foundation recently hosted a press conference in the Batson Children’s Hospital lobby to present proceeds from its 2014 Zippity Doo Dah Weekend event to Friends of Children’s Hospital.

FRF executive director Jim Wilkirson, left, Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne, second from left, and writer/producer Randall Wallace, third from left, present $99,000 to Friends Chairman Sara Ray, third from right, Friends board member Scott Overby, second from right, and Dr. Rick Boyte, professor of pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Palliative Care.

That total includes the cost of a specially equipped and designed van for Batson’s palliative care patients, which will shuttle them on “field trips” outside the hospital.  

Additionally, plans for the 2015 event were announced. The theme will be “Bravehearts for Batson,” symbolizing the bravery of Batson patients. 

The spring event also will honor Wallace, creator of the movie “Braveheart.” Wallace donated a majority of the cost of the van.