MOULTRIE – The PCOM “A Night to Ignite” event raised $250,000 for scholarships for the medical school and Ignite Awards were given to Jim and Jill Matney and Jeter Partners, LLC.

Carrie Collins, chief advancement and strategic planning officer at PCOM, opened the program with a short history of PCOM and also how it expanded into Southwest Georgia over a span of 25 years.

“You could say that for a quarter of a century, Georgia has been on our hearts and minds,” she said.

 Alleluia Nishimwe, a third year medical student at PCOM South Georgia, sang “Georgia on My Mind,” highlighting Collins’ sentiment.

The president of PCOM, Dr. Jay Feldstein, welcomed several elected officials who were at the event. He then thanked the event’s planning committee for their time and dedication. He also asked PCOM students who were there to stand and be recognized.

“All proceeds, including those from tonight’s silent auction, will be used to create endowed scholarships for students attending PCOM South Georgia and who hail from the Southwest Georgia region. The first scholarship will be awarded next year,” he said.

He also thanked Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation, the title sponsor of the night’s event, and other sponsors that supported the event.

“The United & Ignited fundraising campaign is focused on students – the whole reason that any of us work at PCOM. Money raised during the campaign will help us to accelerate academic excellence, expand clinical opportunities, and enhance our students’ experience,” Feldstein said.

He went on to say that the United & Ignited fundraising campaign, which was started in 2020, set a goal of $50 million. However, it has been increased to a goal of raising $65 million by the end of 2026.

Feldstein attributed the new goal to the generosity of organizations like Colquitt Regional Medical Foundation. 

“I am thrilled to announce that, as of this evening, we have raised $52 million in total commitments from nearly 6,500 donors,” he said. “I want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign and look forward to exceeding our $65 million goal.”

The evening continued with the presentation of the Ignite Awards, which are given to individuals to recognize their philanthropic support of PCOM.

“Tonight we are honoring an individual couple and an organization, both of whom have had an incredible impact on PCOM South Georgia and its students,” Feldstein said.

Jim and Jill Matney were the first recipients to be presented with the award and Jim spoke, thanking his wife for her commitment.

“She’s as invested in PCOM as I am. And she makes all the students feel welcome and I’m just real proud of tonight. And, Jill, I’m real proud of all the work you’ve done,” he said.

Next, the award was presented to Jeter Partners, LLC., accepted by Dan and Jimmy Jeter.

Jimmy Jeter said, “We are grateful. Grateful, especially, to have Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the community. They are making a difference.”

Dan Jeter said, “This award tonight really is a community award. This is a generous community that sees a future and wants to be invested in that future. So, to all of you, here, tonight, congratulations.”