Michael Callahan, MD, and Jody Cooley, co-chairs of the 23rd Annual Medical Center Open Golf Tournament, announced at the 19th Hole Reception that today’s golf tournament raised $250,008, setting a new record for the Open. The beneficiary of this year’s tournament is Center Point, and 100 percent of proceeds will improve access to counseling, mentoring and drug/alcohol prevention services by supporting the establishment of an additional facility, Center Point South, on Atlanta Highway just south of Mundy Mill. With additional counseling space, a community room and the visibility to increase training capacity, Center Point South will be able to reach many more Hall County students and families in need of support services.
“We are thrilled to set a new tournament fundraising record while supporting this organization that touches the lives of so many people,” says Callahan. “Personal development is vital for long-term mental and physical health. We are so fortunate to have Center Point, which works with local schools and organizations to reach those in our community – students, adults and families – in need of help and guidance.”
“I continue to be amazed by this community’s generous spirit,” added 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 year. With the continued growth in the southern part of Hall County and the opening of the new hospital, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton, planned for Spring 2015, this is a perfect year to partner with Center Point and expand their services. All of 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 Kevin Smith, MD, Michael Reynolds, MD, Justin Smith and Timothy Ledford 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. McGarity’s Business Products/ Xerox Corporation sponsored the 19th Hole Reception.
Since 1997, the Medical Center Open has raised almost $3 million to support community health improvement initiatives.