Local Eagle Scout makes contribution to South Central Health Care Foundation

(The following press release and photo were submitted from South Central Regional Medical Center. Seen in the photo, from left to right: Doug Higginbotham, President and Chief Executive Officer at SCRMC; Fletcher Horne, local Eagle Scout; Dr. Mark Horne, Fletcher’s Father and Chief Medical Officer at SCRMC; Sabine Horne; and Danita Horne.)

On Tuesday, July 28, local Eagle Scout, Fletcher Horne, presented a $5,000 donation to South Central Health Care Foundation. Fletcher served the community during COVID-19 by feeding over 1,300 healthcare workers with funds raised through a Go Fund Me account called Feed the Frontline - Laurel. Overall, $13,000 was donated from local community members and businesses to support the cause.

Fletcher is a 15-year-old student at Laurel Christian School. Fletcher stated, “During this difficult time, we know how important the small things can be, whether that is getting your favorite lunch with an encouraging scripture written on the box or just having your neighbors say thank you. Feed the Frontline touched thousands of lives. The goal of the project was for Laurel's frontline workers to feel our community's love and gratitude in every meal."

With help from fellow scouts and community volunteers, 22 different restaurants and bakeries supplied meals to deliver to 24 healthcare facilities in Jones County. During this project, Fletcher received a “Tell Me Something Good” scholarship from State Treasurer David McRae. State Treasurer McRae, who is an Eagle Scout as well, stated, "I was thrilled to award Fletcher Horne with a scholarship. The judges were blown away by the actions this young man had taken amid this crisis, finding a way to thank our healthcare heroes while also supporting local restaurants that are struggling during this time. It is a remarkable project that I was honored to recognize."

President and Chief Executive Officer at SCRMC, Doug Higginbotham, stated, “The meals, the encouragement and the support were greatly appreciated by all of our staff. During a difficult time, it brightened the day of the staff to have a warm meal with an encouraging note. We are appreciative of Fletcher, his Boy Scout Troop, other community volunteers and the local restaurants who helped to prepare the meals.”