Meridian doctor gives Witherspoon
healthy boost for fifth-grade trip

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 16, 2003
Dr. Ronnye Purvis takes care of more than just patients.
As a sponsor of Witherspoon Elementary School, he has cared for students who have passed through its hallways since 1992 by giving them encouragement, incentives, financial support and attention.
Purvis, an obstetrician gynecologist, gave $3,000 to Witherspoon on Tuesday for the school's annual fifth-grade trip. This year's destination is Walt Disney World in Orlando on May 12-15.
Brenda Edwards, principal of Witherspoon, said Purvis' gift is about one-fourth of the trip's $12,000 cost for 30 students. Edwards said a few fourth-graders who signed up for the trip last school year also will go.
Edwards said it will be her first trip to Disney World.
Three fifth-grade students were with her in Purvis' office to accept his donation. They thanked Purvis, and one of the children, Tyrell Carpenter, told him he wanted to ride a roller coaster.
For several years, Purvis has raised money through ticket sales to charitable parties he throws, as well as donations made at the parties. His 1970s-theme party on March 22 raised about $4,000.
In addition to the $3,000 contribution to Witherspoon, Purvis plans to give $1,000 to help with the medical expenses of a local family with a child that has a debilitating eye disease.
Money raised from other parties Purvis has thrown in the past have benefited victims of tornadoes and fire, the United Way, and a person in need of help to pay medical bills associated with heart surgery.