Two local businesses—James Marine Inc. and Ingram Barge Co.— each have pledged $100,000 to the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation Fund.

Jeff James, executive vice president of James Marine Inc., said the company is happy to support Western Baptist’s commitment to the community’s health.

“We are especially proud to have the new Baptist Heart Center right here in Paducah,” said James. “As our company grows, we have more and more employees who depend on Western Baptist to keep them healthy and keep James Marine moving forward. Our company is very dependent on the people of this community, and it is our intention to provide as much support as possible to causes like the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation Fund.”

Craig Philip, president and chief executive officer of Ingram Barge Co., said the foundation fund is important because it supports vital services in an important city and region.

“Paducah is hometown for so many Ingram families and such an important base for our company’s operations,” Philip said. “It’s an honor for us to have a hand in the good work of the foundation.”

Laurie Latham, director of Business and Fund Development for Western Baptist, said the companies’ gifts will have far-reaching benefits.

“The WBH Foundation Fund appreciates the charitable financial support of businesses such as James Marine and Ingram Barge to help the hospital carry out its mission of service to the community,” said Latham. “Donations are invested in life-saving technologies and expanded community and patient services, enhancing the quality of healthcare for area residents.”

Latham said the spirit of humanity and gift of charity that opened the doors to Western Baptist in the fall of 1953 are still very evident today in gifts to the foundation, which now total more than $1.5 million in the last two years.

The foundation fund allows businesses, families and individuals to make financial contributions to the hospital to support technology, aid in the recruitment and retention of physicians and expand facilities. To receive a planned giving kit or to make a donation, visit westernbaptist.com or phone (270) 575-2871.