Sanderson Farms : Championship Donates $1.2 Million to Friends of Children’s Hospital and Deserving Charities Across the State

JACKSON, Miss. (January 19, 2018) - This afternoon, the Sanderson Farms Championship, presented a $1.2 million donation to Friends of Children's Hospital, the fundraising arm for Batson Children's Hospital, part of Children's of Mississippi.

In addition to the donation to Friends, the Sanderson Farms Championship donated $260,000 to over 65 deserving charities across the state. The mission of this event has always been one of charity, which is why one hundred percent of all proceeds from the event go directly towards the overall donation.

As in 2016, this year's donation will be designated to the $100 million Children's of Mississippi 'Growing Campaign.' The funds raised in this capital campaign will help UMMC expand and update space dedicated to pediatric care, including an expanded and renovated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); additional rooms for the pediatric intensive care unit, more operating rooms, and the creation of an imaging clinic for pediatric patients.

'Since 2013 when Sanderson Farms became title sponsor of this event, we grow prouder each year of all it accomplishes and what it means to the state of Mississippi and to the families and children who benefit from it,' said Joe Sanderson, Jr. CEO and Chairman of the Board of Sanderson Farms. 'This year is no different. It is because of the people, volunteers, sponsors and overall community support that an event of this magnitude has become such a success. We should all be proud of the money we have raised and the many lives that will be positively influenced as a result of this good fortune.'

Friends of Children's Hospital (FOCH) Chairman of the Board, Sidney Allen, added, 'Friends of Children's Hospital is grateful for the continued support of Century Club Charities and the Sanderson Farms Championship. Century Club and Sanderson Farms Championship have once again increased their contribution to Friends to another record amount. These funds will be used by Friends in support of its pledge to the capital campaign for construction of the new children's hospital.'

'I can't think of a better ending to what was an amazing 50th Anniversary tournament,' added Executive Director Steve Jent. 'Our record donation is the result of the hard work and support from all of our sponsors, volunteers, and fans, and it's exciting to see the impact we are making in our community!'

To access the digital press kit, please click here.

About The Sanderson Farms Championship
The Sanderson Farms Championship is an annual stop on the PGA TOUR hosted by Century Club Charities, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote the game of golf for the benefit of charity. The tournament's primary beneficiary is Friends of Children's Hospital. The tournament has been part of the PGA TOUR schedule since 1968 and is now in its eighth year as a part of the FedExCup. Sanderson Farms (NASDAQ:SAFM), the nation's third largest poultry producer based in Laurel, Miss., is the title sponsor.

About Sanderson Farms
Sanderson Farms, Inc., founded in 1947, is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Employing more than 14,000 employees in operations spanning five states and 14 different cities, Sanderson Farms is the third largest poultry producer in the United States. As a company, Sanderson Farms is committed to adopting a fresh approach in everything they do, not only where products are concerned, but company-wide as well. Though the company has grown in size, it still adheres to the same hometown values of honesty, integrity, and innovation that was established when the Sanderson family founded the company in 1947.

About Friends of Children's Hospital
Supporting Mississippi's only Children's Hospital, Friends of Children's Hospital is a nonprofit organization benefiting Batson Children's Hospital, part of Children's of Mississippi. Founded in 1989, Friends works to support and promote Mississippi's only hospital designed and equipped specifically for the care and treatment of sick or injured children. Their goal is to raise money for state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and services for all pediatric patients by building a statewide base of community support. Voluntarism, fundraising events and awareness efforts make it possible for Friends to help Batson Children's Hospital meet the EXTRAordinary needs of caring for its patients. Want to become a member of Friends? Interested in volunteering or donating to help the kids? Find out how by visiting FOCH.org for more information.

About Children's of Mississippi
Children's of Mississippi, part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, encompasses all the pediatric services available at UMMC and at clinical sites throughout Mississippi. At the heart of these services is Batson Children's Hospital, the state's only hospital devoted exclusively to the care and treatment of sick and injured children. The Children's of Mississippi network brings specialized clinical care for children to communities across the state, making it easier for families to get the treatment they need closer to home.

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