Since the Tyrone Hospital Development Council began holding benefit golf tournaments two years ago, each and every one has been bigger and better than the last. This year should be no exception as plans continue for the August 27 outing at Sinking Valley Country Club.
“This is a first class, top quality tournament,” said Randy Miles Sr., chairman of THDC. “We’re excited entering our third year and are hoping this one will be bigger and better than ever. We have a good cause we’re working toward and this is a major fundraiser for that cause.”
According to Miles, all proceed from the tournament will help the council purchases infant resuscitation beds. Miles said the transition from the mother’s womb to airspace is very traumatic for infants, and bed such as this can ease that transition. According to Miles, the cost of each unit is approximately $12,000.
The first year, the golf tournament was held in State College and just over $5,600 was raised. Last year 125 duffers attended the event, the first at Sinking Valley and raised more than $12,000.
“We really liked the facilities and the course there in Sinking Valley and hope that this tradition continues there,” said Miles.
Cost to enter the tournament is $300 for each team, and includes cart fee, a buffet lunch, dinner, the chance to win a car and a putting contest where one lucky person can walk away with $25,000 in cash.
The shotgun start is to begin promptly at 1 p.m., but Miles said golfers are encouraged to arrive at 10:30 a.m. to allow time to practice. He said buffet lines open at 11:45 a.m. with the put-off following at 12:45 p.m., just before the shotgun start.
Businesses and organizations can sponsor a tee at a cost of $300. Course sponsorship is also available at a $750 price, but includes signage and recognition at the course.
Currently, the only corporate sponsor for the event is DelGrosso Food and DelGrosso Amusement Park, but Miles said there is plenty of room for more. Cost of corporate sponsorship is $1,200 and, according to Miles, includes plenty of pre-tourney advertising. Also included is the lunch, dinner and team participation in the tournament.
“This tournament has grown each year that we’ve held it and there’s no reason to believe this year will be any different,” said Miles. “I think the community really understands what the Tyrone Hospital Development Council is all about and what it’s trying to do. We can’t wait to get the tournament underway.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the golf tournament or would like to be included as a sponsor for the event should contact Miles at 684-7603 or Teresa Yanchetz, marketing director at Tyrone Hospital, at 684-1255.
The Tyrone Hospital Development Council was formed a few years ago by community residents and members of the hospital family with a goal of helping to improve the hospital’s facility with capital improvements. The group holds several fundraisers throughout the year.
Last year’s efforts were directed to help defray the costs of installing a new CT scanner at the hospital campus.
