Contact: David Hawk, World Gospel Mission, 765-664-7331, david.hawk@wgm.org
JUCUAPA, El Salvador, June 27, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Gloria D. Kriete Foundation in El Salvador has selected the David V. King Medical Center, operated in association with mission agency World Gospel Mission, as one of ten finalists for a prestigious $100,000 grant. The $1.7 million facility was funded by a grant from Medical Mission International and named after its founder, the late David V. King.
The Centro Medico David V. King (CMDVK) is an operationally self-sustaining and locally staffed medical facility in Jucuapa, El Salvador, that provides quality, affordable medical care to underserved citizens in eastern El Salvador. Since its inauguration in November 2011, it has served over 10,000 patients with ambulatory medical services, minor surgeries, and OB-GYN care and is the only local affordable facility that offers medication. David Hawk, missionary with World Gospel Mission, manages the facility in conjunction with the New York–based philanthropic organization Medical Mission International.
After extensively vetting each applicant, the Gloria D. Kriete Foundation, a Salvadoran philanthropic agency, chose the CMDVK as one of the ten programs to which it will award funds. The Ayudando a Quienes Ayudan (Helping Those Who Help) grant awards socially responsible, high-impact programs aimed at the nation's most vulnerable populations. Because the foundation emphasizes sustainability across generations, organizations must be fully functioning and show "effectiveness and permanence" in serving Salvadoran citizens.
As a finalist, the Centro Medico David V. King (CMDVK) is guaranteed at least a $10,000 grant, increasing up to $100,000 if it earns the top honor. The CMDVK plans to use all the proceeds to complete its new surgical wing, which will provide life-altering procedures for citizens in eastern El Salvador. Furthermore, independent of the financial award, its status as a finalist establishes the CMDVK as one of the most credible, socially responsible programs in El Salvador. After evaluating all applicants, the Gloria D. Kriete Foundation chose the CMDVK as one of the ten most worthy of "competing for resources," and achieving "public recognition," according to award criterion on the foundation website.
If the CMDVK completes the wing, which will require matching funds of at least $130,000, a philanthropic organization has agreed to fully furnish a pre- and post-operation area, two operating rooms, two procedure rooms, and all supporting facilities. The CMDVK staff is excited and grateful to use the proceeds from the Gloria D. Kriete Foundation to fulfill their mission of providing life-altering operations for Salvadoran citizens.
World Gospel Mission is an interdenominational missionary-sending organization based in Marion, Indiana. Founded in 1910, WGM has over 200 missionaries in 24 areas of the world, including El Salvador. David Hawk and his family consider Gas City, Indiana, their home when not in El Salvador.
