Golfers raise funds for compassionate care during annual 'Holes for Hospice'

MARSHALL – Scores of golfers showed how well they understand the importance of compassionate end-of-life care when they turned out July 22 for the fourth annual “Holes for Hospice” fund-raiser.

Nearly two dozen teams of golfers gathered at the Medalist Golf Club for the event. Funds raised will go directly to support Oaklawn Hospice’s comprehensive health-care program.

“The people who have participated are phenomenal,” said Richard Lindsey, Oaklawn’s Executive Director of Development and Community/Legislative Affairs. “They assure our community that hospice service will be available to under-insured or those who are not insured at all.”

Two four-person teams tied for first place in the competition. One team comprised Merrill Shelden, Ron Parsons, Dan Parsons and Mike Greenman, and the second featured Pat Stevens, Brendan Stevens, Rich Paternal and Tony Evans.

The third-place team was made up of Terry Lake, Jack Wayne Townsend, Scott Ramsey and Scott Clark.

The second-flight first-place team was made of up Jim Pardoe, Kent Mauer, Scott Dawson and Bill Andrews.

Hot and dry weather guaranteed that the turnout for the day would be excellent, Lindsey said.

“Everybody had a really good time and it really has been a great day,” Lindsey said as golfers wrapped up their game. “As always, the staff at the Medalist has done a fantastic job.”

Lindsey also praised the efforts of Lowell Weaver II, general manager at the Medalist.

“He does a wonderful job of organizing things and his staff are extremely friendly and helpful,” he said.

Cash awards were offered to any amateur golfer who sank a hole in one, but no one did so.

Better luck prevailed for Jim Dominique, who scored an 11 on the par-8 four-hole putting-green obstacle course, besting scores of nearly 70 other contenders. He also sunk a hole-in-one on one of those holes. Several other participants in the contest hit the next-lowest score of 12.

 The day included scores of donated raffle prizes, including gift certificates and collectible items.

“This was a friendly gathering of many teams of players, who all came together for a great cause,” said  Donna Young, program director for Oaklawn Hospice.

“It’s hard to express just how grateful we are to all the folks who came out and helped this great cause,” Young added. “They’ve shown just how much they care about the work of Oaklawn Hospice, and expressed how generous their support is for this community as a whole.”

Prizes and additional assistance were provided through the support of Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub, HBC Specialized Contracting, BluFish Consulting, Miller Canfield, KnightWatch Inc., The Beck Family, Chemical Bank, Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Bill and Michele DeSmet, Fountain Automotive, Hemmingsen Drug Store, Kellogg Community College, King Jewelers, Terry and Cindy Lake, The Medalist, PSI, Quality Engraving, Seneca, Southern Michigan Bank and Standard Printing & Office Supply.

Lindsey also singled out the contributions of fellow planning committee members Lowell Weaver, Mike Beck, Bill DeSmet, Terry Lake, Jim Pardoe, Theresa Shippell, Ryan Traver and Sara Andrews

Oaklawn Hospice’s program works to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of persons with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Those seeking more details about donating to Oaklawn Hospice may contact Theresa Shippell at (269) 789-3942 or tshippell@oaklawnhospital.com.