Zonta of Longview, part of Zonta International, is a global organization of executive and professional women working together through service and advocacy to advance the status of women worldwide.  Zonta members volunteer their time and talents to local and international service projects, as well as scholarship and award programs aimed at furthering women’s education, leadership, and youth development.
   The Zonta Club of Longview will present its 36th Annual Antique Show and Sale on Friday, March 5, through Sunday, March 7, according to Zonta executive board member and 2010 Antique Show and Sale Sponsorship Chair, Jill Bayless Berney. Maude Cobb Activity Center will be filled with exhibitors displaying collectibles, antiques, and one-of-a-kind finds.  This is the primary fundraiser for the Zonta Club and proceeds raised will benefit charitable and educational not-for-profit organizations in the Longview community.
   As a tireless community volunteer, Mrs. Berney also lends her time to Partners in Prevention, is a mentor with Forever Friends, serves on the Executive Women Build Committee (Buildopoly) for Habitat for Humanity, is a member of the Longview Partnership Healthcare Achievement Award Task Force, and has served on the Better Business Bureau of East Texas board. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is a member of the East Texas ACHE, where she served as president in 2008.
   Inspired in her volunteer service by the words of her paternal grandfather, whose motto was, “Help somebody today,” and her maternal grandmother, who always said, “If you have any, you have enough to share,” Mrs. Berney said, “Those strong examples, coupled with my Christian beliefs, compel me to assist both organizations and individuals.”
   Mrs. Berney is originally from Nashville, Arkansas, and has lived in Longview for ten years.  She received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Arkansas Tech University, in Russellville, Arkansas, and earned her master of science degree from Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  Mrs. Berney serves as Chief Operating Officer for Longview Regional Medical Center. She and her husband, Bob, have four adult children.  Mrs. Berney has served as a Stephen Minister for her church since 2004.
   “Longview has provided me with many professional, civic, and personal growth opportunities,” Mrs. Berney said.  “This community is buzzing with energetic and service-oriented people and I am proud to be a part of a place that still knows the meaning of ‘neighbor’ and ‘friend’.”