Despite some windy, rainy weather, Superior National Golf course was a busy place last Saturday and Sunday as more than 100 golfers gathered for some friendly competition while raising money for the North Shore Health Care Foundation.
“This year 15 teams played on Saturday and 29 teams played on Sunday,” said Superior National Professional Golf Association (PGA) pro Heath Ekstrom. “Not all of the teams were full. I think I counted 109 golfers that took part in the tournament.”
Despite the weather, the fundraiser drew about as many people as the 2017 event. “Last year 25 teams took part, and there were 110 golfers,” noted Ekstrom.
There was no hole-in-one this year, and no one got to the money putt, but Ekstrom said that wasn’t surprising.
“Saturday the weather wasn’t too bad. It rained off and on. However, Sunday it was misty, cold, windy, really nasty. Still, the golfers played on,” Ekstrom said.
North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF) president Karl Hansen said that despite the inclement weather, the golfers were enthusiastic and seemed to have much fun.
“Last year we had 25 teams register. We were down just a tich from last year. We haven’t counted the money yet, but we brought in around $30,000. Last year I think it was about $31,000. That money comes from donations from area businesses and individuals. The entry money paid by golfers pays for the event.”
Once again the NSHCF received generous donations from Paul and Carol Schaap and Roger and Phyllis Sherman to underwrite the cost of running the event. This means, said Hansen, that virtually every dollar raised from sponsors and golfers goes directly to the foundation to be used for grants, programs, and operations.
“This was a fantastic tournament, a great day for NSHCF, but it wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations from all of the area businesses and individuals who contribute to this event,” Hansen said, adding that Michael Valentini deserved special recognition.
“Once again Michael and his sister from Duluth brought in food from Valentini’s Vicino Lago in Duluth for the golfers. Michael also brought his sizeable white tent to the golf course, and this year he borrowed some 10 x 10 canopy covers for Sunday. Unfortunately, high winds caused them to fly up into the air, and they were ruined, so we (NSHCF) will be paying to purchase three new canopy tents,” added Hansen.
Valentini also went out and got a bunch of prizes to give to the golfers, said Hansen. “Although he isn’t a member of the NSHCF, Michael does a lot of wonderful work for the foundation,” said Hansen.
This year there wasn’t a tournament director, so most of the organizing fell on Bob Fenwick’s shoulders. Bob is president of the NSHCF board.
“Bob did a tremendous job. Not only does he work full time, but this is also the family reunion that he plans for, and then, on top of that, he pulled the tournament together,” Hansen said.
Like most organizations, the North Shore Health Care Foundation began with a few participants who had some big hopes and dreams. It began in 1993 when a half-dozen residents who were committed to improving the health and wellness of the Cook County community formed the nonprofit grant-making organization. After 24 years NSHCF had awarded grants totaling $744,914.
Where do these funds go?
Grants are awarded quarterly to qualified health care providers for medical equipment, education, and training.
The first quarter of 2018 the NSHCF gave Sawtooth Mountain Clinic $5,752 for EMDR training; Cook County Extension Service was granted $2,000 for the Snacks and Packs program; Cook County Emergency Services was awarded $4,000 for support of the Emergency Management conference; and Choices and Voices received $1,000 for the Social Justice program.
Hansen said as the foundation has grown, they are able to distribute more money to various organizations through the county.
“Twenty years ago what we made in the golf scramble was the amount of money that we had to give throughout the year. Now our budget is around $200,000. We receive money from the golf tournament and from various foundations and grants. We are in the process of talking to a consultant to about developing a strategic plan. We are working to see what we need to do as an organization to remain strong.”
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