Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation’s annual golf tournament raised more than $300,000 for victims of sexual assault.
Sponsored by Bank of America, the Medical Center Open golf tournament was held at the Chicopee Woods Golf Course. The event raised the funds to benefit Bridging Hope, formerly known as Rape Response.
Bridging Hope supports, educates and advocates for survivors of sexual assault and their families. The organization also provides forensic exams for victims of sexual assault visiting an emergency department at one of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s hospitals. The organization annopunced the rebrand decision at the event.
"Our new name reflects where we are as an organization – we connect survivors with the help they need and guide them from dark times to better days," Jen Tarnowski, executive director of Bridging Hope said in a release. "It's more than just a new look, it’s a promise to bring hope and create a world where everyone who's been hurt feels cared for, heard, and empowered."
The tournament saw 200 golfers participate, as well as 120 sponsors.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for such an important cause,” event chair David Lee said. “The success of this event shows how much our community values supporting organizations like Bridging Hope.”
The winning team was from Jake Martin & Son and included Walt Booth, Jake Martin, Eric Olsteen and Lee Towns, according to a release from NGHS.
“Nobody should go through the kind of trauma these victims experience alone,” said Neal Booth, event co-chair. “We are grateful for those who supported this incredible organization through the Medical Center Open this year.”
