Golf classic raises more than $163,000

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BATESVILLE — Dick Bernard, White River Health System Foundation Board president, presented a check for $163,073.73 to Gary Bebow, CEO/administrator of White River Health System, at the opening ceremonies of the 15th Annual White River Health System Foundation Golf Classic on Saturday, June 20.

Tournament proceeds will be used to continue the organization's mission of providing quality, efficient and compassionate health care to North Central Arkansas residents using state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

"I am so grateful for the generosity of our sponsors who support our effort to provide quality health care services throughout the region," said Dick Bernard, White River Health System Foundation Board president.

Event sponsors AFLAC - Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency, Consumer Collection Management, Cromwell Architects Engineers, Medtronic, Nabholz Construction, RehabCare Group, The Course at Eagle Mountain and Wade's Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical joined together with more than 105 other corporate sponsors and individuals in support of the golf classic. Special guests included Gov. Mike Beebe and Arkansas State University basketball head coach John Brady.

For the sixth consecutive year, the event was held at The Course at Eagle Mountain in Batesville.

Designed by John Floyd of JF Enterprises, the 18-hole championship course features zoysia fair ways, bent-grass greens, white sand bunkersand numerous water hazards.

Golfers, volunteers and guests dined on ribs and brisket prepared by Party-Q, the 2009 Memphis in May Whole Hog Champions, while enjoying the music of Vikki McGee featuring Triple Threat.

More than 30 volunteers gave more than 400 hours of their time in the planning, organization and execution of the golf classic.

"We appreciate the hard work of our volunteers whose efforts make the golf classic so successful," said Gary Bebow, White River Health System administrator/CEO. "The volunteers share our vision to be the leading health care provider in North Central Arkansas."

Established in 1992, the White River Health System Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to meet the present and future needs of White River Health System.

The golf classic has raised $1.3 million for vital programs and projects such as nursing scholarships, community health programs, the White River Medical Center Cancer Care Center and the Josephine Raye Rogers Center for Women and Imaging.

The team of Randy Bolin, Kenny Tosh, Scott Wood and Stacey Wright won the fourperson scramble with a score of 56 in a field of 44 teams.

Ladies Long Drive was won by Shannon Vinson, and Men's Long Drive was won by Jarod Lillard.

Closest to the Pin winners were Ronnie Hutchison and John Gregg.

Bobby Massanelli won the Straightest Drive.

Three Rivers, Pages 56 on 07/02/2009