By Megan Rule | Staff Writer
The Providence Golf Classic will tee off at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. today at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course as a fundraiser for the Providence Healthcare Network.
“The main thing that I would emphasize is that I’m most excited about raising money for the people in the community through new medical equipment or just to provide better care,” said Paige Corley, director of the event.
The proceeds from the golf tournament, from registration prices and raffle prizes, will benefit the Providence Healthcare Network. The registration fee is $150 per golfer or $600 per team of four golfers. Raffle tickets are one for $20 or three for $50.
“Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons ,with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” acccording to the Providence Healthcare website.
The golf package includes green fees, cart, golfer gift bag with goodies, breakfast, lunch, snacks, cold beer, non-alcoholic beverages, luxury and general raffle items and contests. The buyer does not need to be present in order to win the luxury raffle items, which includes things like coffee from a local favorite, Pinewood Roasters.
“I’m always excited to see things like this in our community. Anything that helps bring awareness or helps nonprofits, I’m excited to see,” said Dylan Washington, owner of Pinewood Roasters. “I’m excited for everyone to go out and have fun for a good cause.”
Washington said this is the first time Pinewood Roasters has donated to this event. When asked what prompted him to donate, he said he just really enjoys donating to things, especially those that are for a good cause and helping those in the community. Washington said he likes to donate before thinking in order to help those locally.
The event originated from Providence Volunteer Services, Corley said. The last executive director had told her that this is the oldest golf tournament in Waco, and it’s been going on for a while. Corley began working with the Providence Healthcare Network in February, and this is her first year taking over the golf tournament and organizing it.
“We have over 40 volunteers that help to make this a success, so it definitely wouldn’t be possible without them and the committee, so they help a lot,” Corley said. “I want to make sure they’re recognized and appreciated.”
Corley said there will be about 170 golfers at the tournament. The money is used to help the hospital and patients of the Providence Healthcare Network. Corley said the foundation will grant out money twice a year in order to buy medical equipment and technology that will ultimately help patients. Money raised from the golf tournament will supply the grant for such equipment.
“I’m most excited for the amount of money we were able to raise for the hospital, and ultimately for the patients,” Corley said of the funds raised by golfers already registered.
Cottonwood Creek Golf Course is located at 5200 Bagby Ave. Any further questions about the event can be directed to Corley at 254-751-4717.
