Special to the Post

New mothers and their babies at the Women’s and Children’s Center at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center will rest a little more comfortably, thanks to a donation of $4,320 from the sale of a book written by Salisbury residents, Elizabeth and Owen Norvell.

The Norvells donated 100% of the proceeds of their book to benefit both Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation and Piedmont Players Theatre Youth Productions.

“Chef Santos — The Chef, His Story and His Recipes” is the Norvells’ first book. Elizabeth and Owen have enjoyed dining at Santos’ Italian restaurant for years, where they met the owner Chef Jose Dos Santos.

“We found Chef Santos and his stories so interesting that we felt compelled to share them with others,” the Norvells said in a Novant Health press release. “We feel fortunate to have gotten to know Santos.

“His generosity and gratitude towards people in general are qualities we were drawn to. … We felt honored he wanted to share his recipes, because — apparently — he has never shared them before.”

The Norvells intended on putting funds from the book back into the restaurant, but Santos insisted the money be evenly donated to two local nonprofits that benefited children.

The proceeds from the book to the hospital foundation will be used to purchase several HALO Bassinest swivel sleepers for the Women’s and Children’s Center. With its design, the swiveling bassinet makes it easier for a mom to tend to her newborn’s needs such as skin-to-skin bonding, breastfeeding and diaper changing, directly from her hospital bed.

“We are grateful to the Norvells and Chef Santos for their generous contributions,” said Rick Parker, executive director of the Rowan Medical Center Foundation. “Rowan Medical Center is committed to providing access to world-class care right here in our community, and they are helping us fulfill this mission.”

For more information on the foundation, call 704-210-6880 or email Rick Parker at rdparker@novanthealth.org.