NEGMC golf tourney raises $156,000+

GAINESVILLE - This year's Medical Center Open Golf Tournament raised more than $156,000
for the Hall County Medical Society's Health Access Initiative (HAI).

The goal was $125,000 for the initiative, which helps provide access to
healthcare services for uninsured adults.

"To exceed this goal by so much is exciting," said Nancy Colston, executive director of The Medical Center Foundation.

"We are incredibly appreciative of what The Medical Center Foundation has done for Health Access Initiative," said Greg DeLong, MD, physician liaison for HAI. "While the infrastructure of HAI is in place, these funds will provide the money needed to make it operational, connecting patients with appropriate providers and helping HAI to educate patients about their options for care."

"The real beneficiary of the tournament is all of the people in our community who need healthcare, but can't afford to provide it for themselves and their families," DeLong continued. "This will be a huge service to the people of Gainesville and Hall County."

This year's Medical Center Open, sponsored by Wachovia and The Medical Center Foundation, had 20 Eagle sponsors, 34 Birdie sponsors and 104 other businesses or individuals contributing to the tournament. Two-hundred players played in the tournament. McGarity's Business Products/ Xerox Corporation sponsored the 19th Hole Reception.

Hospital officials say 200 players participated this year.

The tournament was held Thursday at Chicopee Woods Golf Club.