Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman said thank you to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis Saturday night by helping raise money for the hospital’s trauma center.
Last August, Freeman was airlifted to The Med after the 1997 Nissan Maxima he was driving veered out of control, flipped several times and landed in a ditch near Charleston, Miss., where the actor lives.

His passenger, Demaris Meyer, 49, of Memphis, also was injured.

“I think a great outfit like (The Med) needs help and it should get help,” Freeman said at the Zero to 60 fundraiser held at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street.

Throughout the evening, guests could mingle, bid on movie and music memorabilia, and take photos with the actor, who turned 72 on Monday. The goal was to raise $60,000 for the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center.

Freeman underwent emergency orthopedic surgery on his neck and shoulder and spent four days at The Med.

The actor, who has been sued by Meyer for negligence, did not take questions about the crash or the lawsuit.

The money raised Saturday will go to the Med Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital, said Lori Turner, event coordinator and public relations specialist with Red- Rover Co.

The group will use the money to provide The Med with specialty equipment and training.

The Med is the only Level 1 trauma center within 150 miles of Memphis.