Today four very humble and dedicated members of our community volunteered at The Medical Center Foundation’s 25th Annual Medical Center Open, not knowing that their family’s lives were about to change forever. During the late afternoon 19th Hole Reception, two single parents and a couple were surprised by a secret reveal when their names were announced as the future owners of three homes that will be built in Habitat for Humanity Hall County’s signature subdivision, Copper Glen, as a result of $282,454 raised through this year’s tournament.
“This means the world to me!” said Meoshea Columbus, one of the volunteers who will receive a home. “I can’t begin to explain how excited I am and how blessed I feel to receive this home. I am so thankful for all who support this tournament, The Medical Center Foundation and the health of our community.”
Clifton Hastings, MD, and Ron Bracewell, co-chairs of this year’s Medical Center Open, also announced during the 19th Hole Reception that today’s event set a new record. Habitat for Humanity of Hall County is the sole beneficiary of this year’s tournament, and 100 percent of the funds raised will go directly to building the three homes – and potentially a playground.
“What a fantastic day! Hundreds of people and businesses have played such an important role in making the dream of homeownership a reality for some very deserving families. We are grateful for the opportunity to support an organization like Habitat Hall that truly changes the lives of people – moms, dads, brothers, sisters and so many others,” said Hastings. “Habitat for Humanity supports the hard working, low-income backbone of our labor force through a partnership in housing. By recognizing the fundamental, basic need of simple, decent, affordable housing and the correlation that it has to successful families and healthy communities, Habitat changes the trajectory of each family it touches.”
“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, first-hand, the way it truly embraces the Open each and every year. 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 the team of RK Whitehead, Troy Cain, Ricky Brown and Lee Rogers, who had 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 more than $3.4 million to support community health improvement initiatives. Learn more about The Medical Center Foundation and its events, giving clubs and more at www.TheMedicalCenterFoundation.org.
Pictured: The check is unveiled at the 19th Hole Reception and presented to Habitat for Humanity representatives and volunteers.
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