GAINESVILLE — Thursday's Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation annual golf tournament raised a record $281,881, according to organizers of the annual event.
Jody Cooley and Clifton Hastings, MD, co-chaired the 24th Annual Medical Center Open Golf Tournament. The two stood together to announce the record-breaking number at the 19th Hole Reception. The beneficiary of the 2015 tournament was the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation’s ‘Think About It’ Campaign; 100-percent of proceeds will benefit the campaign’s Project DAN (Deaths Avoided by Naloxone), which is designed to reduce widespread drug abuse and specifically reduce deaths from opioid overdose.
“What a fantastic day! We are thrilled to set a new tournament fundraising record while supporting this organization that touches the lives of so many people,” said Cooley. “The increase in deaths from opioid overdose is a disturbing trend. ‘Think About It’ will benefit communities throughout northeast Georgia by equipping first responders with the tools and training to reverse an opioid overdose in minutes, saving lives on the front line, giving people from all walks of life a second chance.”
“I continue to be amazed by this community’s generous spirit,” said Nancy Colston, president and chief development officer of The Medical Center Foundation. “I am proud to witness, firsthand, the way it truly embraces the Open each and every year. The partnerships that are created through the golf tournament are far-reaching and truly make a difference in our community’s health.”
The Medical Center Open’s top prize - the Woody Stewart Trophy - was awarded to Philip Wilheit, Jr., Jason Brian, Chris Englund and Cliff Oliver with the low gross score of the day.
This year’s Medical Center Open was held at Chicopee Woods Golf Course and supported by premier sponsor Bank of America Merrill Lynch. There were more than 200 sponsors, more than 200 players and 100 volunteers for the 2015 event. McGarity’s Business Products/Xerox Corporation sponsored the 19th Hole Reception.
Since 1997, the Medical Center Open has raised more than $3.2 million to support community health improvement initiatives.
