Outing raises over $30,000
Lifeline, Patient Transportation programs to reap benefits
Friends, business associates, volunteers, employees and physicians came out in full force to show their support for the Patient Transportation and Lifeline programs at the Morris Hospital Auxiliary golf outing and bridge/euchre tournament on June 18.
With over 260 supporters in attendance, the event raised over $30,000.
One of the highlights was the presentation of a $5,000 gift from the Morris Hospital medical staff, made by medical staff president Dr. Douglas Toussaint. Over the years, the medical staff has donated $55,000 toward Morris Hospital’s Patient Transportation and Lifeline programs through the golf outing.
“On behalf of the Auxiliary and Foundation, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the Medical Staff’s continuous and generous support of these two services that benefit so many in our community,” said Ginny Kelly, Vice President of Development at Morris Hospital.
Along with the Morris Hospital medical staff, U.S. Bank was also a Top Flite sponsor at the $5,000 level. Drinker, Biddle and Reath and Grundy Bank were Eagle sponsors at the $2,500 level. Driver sponsors at the $1,000 level included Comcast Business Services; Cunningham, Meyer and Vedrine; Exelon Nuclear LaSalle Station; Pepper Construction; Service Gas; Spring Brook Marina; Quality Home Health; and Dave and Lusia Wozniak.
Hole sponsors at the $500 level included Associated Orthodontists, Block Electric, D Construction, DBW Inc., Exelon Nuclear Braidwood Station, Terri Gilmoure Country Financial, KPMG, David and Susan Landahl, Mark Steadham and That Perennial Place.
While 30 foursomes of golfers were out enjoying 18 holes at the Morris Country Club, the bridge and euchre tournaments got underway in the clubhouse.
Linda Govednik of Minooka was awarded a set of Waterford crystal martini glasses, donated by Dr. Lloyd Flatt, for winning first place the euchre tournament. Cathy Webster of Morris won crystal candlesticks from the Morris Hospital Auxiliary gift shop for second place, as well as a gift certificate to Aurelio’s for having the most “loners.” Third place went to Jo Christensen of Morris, who received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate. Megan Madison of DeKalb won a gift basket from The Sweet Tooth for having the lowest total score in the euchre tournament.
In the bridge tournament, Beth Brownewell of Morris took first place, winning a set of Waterford crystal champagne flutes donated by Dr. Lloyd Flatt. Carol Robinson of Morris came in second place, receiving a teardrop glass vase donated by Jeri Dolezal. In third place, Mari Kirsch of Minooka won a gift certificate to the Rockwell Inn. Lowest total score went to Ann Burgess of Morris, who received a Betty White biography, compliments of Gayle Green.
The golf tournament was divided into three flights. First place flights included Standard Bank’s team of Scott Ammer, Pat O’Connor, Kelly Beaty and Jeff Rzasa; U.S. Bank’s Matt Haan, John Merriman, Randy Rhodes and Nick Zimmerman; and Zach Winters, Chris Funk, Barry Jacobson and Mike VanWinkle, all from J and M Transports.
The prize for longest putt went to Kevin Boyce of Block Electric Company. Jim Thornton of Alper Services had the longest drive for the men while Samantha Shannon, golfing for Brian Zabel and Associates, had the longest drive for the females. Greg Christensen of Service Gas was closest to the pin.
Guests came back together in the late afternoon for a pig roast dinner buffet. Before dinner was served, Kelly paid tribute to the late Joan Christensen of Morris, who was instrumental in planning and supporting many Auxiliary events, including the golf outing.
“Joan will always be remembered for her volunteerism and service on the Foundation Board,” said Kelly, who went on to describe Christensen as a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer who was deeply committed to the hospital.
“Many say that it is Morris Hospital’s culture of compassion and caring that make us so special and different from other hospitals. Joan was a huge contributor to this unique culture and she led by example … whether volunteering her time at the hospital, serving on the Foundation Board, planning a fundraising event, or even her gifting of 44 gifts to the Foundation over 16 years. Our corner of the world is better today because of Joan’s life, her contribution and commitment to Morris Hospital, and her contagious enthusiasm.”
Another special moment came when Chuck Latta from Kurtz Ambulance won $667 through the 50-50 raffle and donated his entire winnings back to the Auxiliary.
“I think the most significant part of the day was the way so many people found a way to participate, whether they came out to golf, play cards, have dinner, or volunteer,” says Julie Wilkinson, Development Officer at Morris Hospital. “It was a true testament to the support we are so fortunate to have from within the hospital and the community.”
The Morris Hospital Auxiliary golf outing planning committee included Barb Boma, Becky DiVincenzo, Terri Gilmoure, Gayle Green, Carol Harrington, Diane Matteson, Lori Ortinau, Cheryl Tesdal, Kerri Wickkiser and Julie Wilkinson, all of Morris, along with Gayle Green and Carol Harrington who co-chaired the Bridge Tournament;. Diane Matteson and Kimberly Wolfer of Morris co-chaired the Euchre Tournament. Pidge Smith of Coal City provided golf consultation.
Paperie and Lauren Vitko of Braceville designed the invitation. Volunteers Vi Sargeant, Evelyn Roseland and Nilsa Sochan of Morris mailed the invitations. Becky DiVincenzo, Kerri Wickkiser and Gayle Green acquired the prizes. Lori Ortinau, Cheryl Tesdal, and Mary Olson of Morris coordinated the publicity. More than 30 volunteers assisted with the day and evening activities.