VCU news

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center’s Evans-Haynes Burn Unit has received a gift of nearly $14,000 from Gerdau Ameristeel, formerly Chaparral Steel Co.

Terry Holder and Kim Edwards, representatives of Gerdau Ameristeel, presented a check to the burn unit this week. The money, $13,941, was raised in June during a golf tournament that benefited the burn center.

“We’ve had quite a few people who have had to be seen at the VCU Medical Center and we were very happy to be able to raise money for this unit and so glad we could help out,” said Edwards.

Traci Wakefield, nurse manager of the Evans-Haynes Burn unit, also provided the visitors with a tour of the facility.

According to Wakefield, the gift will be used for different educational programs and will help establish an endowment for Tutie’s Kids — a program dedicated to a former burn unit nurse that will allow the unit to provide various supplies, clothing, toys and other items for children.

The Evans-Haynes Burn Unit was founded by Everett I. Evans, M.D., in 1947 and is the oldest civilian burn facility in the United States. After Evans’ death, B.W. Haynes, M.D., directed the center for 36 years.

The burn unit serves as a regional resource for the care of acute burns as well as the reconstructive needs of burn survivors.

Gerdau Ameristeel is one of the largest producers of reinforcing steel in the United States. For more information, visit www.gerdauameristeel.com.