Oaklawn Hospital Gears Up for the 2021 Hospitality Classic and Birdies for Babies Golf Outing

Summer might be coming to an end, but Oaklawn is ramping up for two of its largest events – the Birdies for Babies Golf Outing set for Friday, August 20th and the Annual Hospitality Classic 5k and Fun Run on Saturday, August 28th.

After a difficult 2020, with the cancellation of many in-person events and the Hospitality Classic shifting to a virtual race due to COVID-19 limitations, Oaklawn is looking forward to once again hosting events that the community has come to love and support throughout the years.

“In terms of fundraising events, last year was very challenging for many businesses,” said Ryan Traver, Oaklawn Director of Marketing. “We obviously did our best to come up with unique ways of overcoming those challenges, but there’s no question that a virtual race just isn’t the same as a traditional race. We’re really excited about being able to return to an in-person race this year, hold the Birdies for Babies golf outing, and provide people with fun events to close out the summer while supporting their local hospital.”

The Birdies for Babies golf outing raises funds for Oaklawn’s Birth Center and is open to golfers of all skill levels. Celebrating over 800 births per year, the Birth Center strives to provide a comfortable, memorable and safe delivery experience for growing families.

“Collectively, this event has raised over $100,000 for Oaklawn,” said Jenna Ellis, Oaklawn Development Manager. “The funds we raise from this event allow us to purchase new equipment such as infant warmers, nitrous oxide equipment, and isolette’s. This allows us to continue to provide the best possible patient experience for all of the families who choose us to be a part of their birthing experience.”

This year’s outing will be held on Friday, August 20th at the Marshall Country Club. Although Oaklawn registration for golfers is now closed, those interested in supporting the event can still do so in the form of a sponsorship or raffle prize donation. Interested individuals should go to oaklawnhospital.org/golf or call the Oaklawn Development Office at (269) 789-7570.

Merely a week after Birdies for Babies, Oaklawn will be hosting its Annual Hospitality Classic in downtown Marshall on Saturday, August 28th. Not all heroes wear capes, but participants are encouraged to dress up and wear one at this year’s race as we honor our frontline heroes.

“This year’s race is exciting and different because we’re paying tribute to our local frontline heroes who have endured so much and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic,” said Sarah Jack, Marketing Associate at Oaklawn. “With this event, we hope to honor them with a fun day that they can enjoy with their friends, family and the larger community.”

In addition to our local heroes, this year’s race will feature special guest appearances by Bingo, the Marshall Fire Department K-9, and other superheroes and local heroes. Guaranteed to be an event that’s fun for the whole family, the entertainment doesn’t stop at the finish line. The 2021 Hospitality Classic falls on an eventful day for Marshall as it will be immediately followed by the Copper Athletic Club’s Copper Bash and the Market on Main Street. The Copper Bash will include a coney dog eating contest, former Red Wing Darren McCarty autograph signing, and two bands!  Market on Main is an event full of shopping and activities taking place on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Marshall’s social district.

“When it comes to the Hospitality Classic, in recent years we’ve often discussed how nice it would be for participants to have something fun to do downtown after the race,” Traver said. “This year, with the other community events taking place beginning immediately following the race, we will have an added energy in Marshall that will positively contribute to the overall participant experience while giving people a reason to stick around and enjoy themselves for the entire afternoon.”

Registration for the Hospitality Classic is now open. For full event details and to register, go to oaklawnhospital.org/run. Frontline workers who wish to participate should email sjack@oaklawnhospital.com to a receive a special registration discount code granting them entry for just $5. The fee for all other participants is $25. Each runner will receive an exclusive participant medal and t-shirt.