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Playing for a cause
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“Our goal is to host one of the premier golf events in the region,” Foundation Director Merideth Lair said. “We want people to go out to the course and have fun. “But the golf tournament is also helping to make things better for the people in the area too. The money we’ve raised has allowed the hospital to make upgrades.” For 15 years golfers have supported the event, however, this year it will be at a new location. The amateur event got its footing at the La Grande Country Club. This season it has been moved to Buffalo Peak Friday through Sunday.“It’s a hard thing to do in a way, but everyone involved, including the country club, has made it so easy,” Lair said. “A move to an 18-hole course seemed like the right thing to do. It allows more people to be on the course at once, and increases the capacity for the tournament.” The tournament annually brings in around $33,000 less a few bills to pay. But that money goes right back into the hospital. Last year, the foundation gave $106,000 to furnish the patient exam rooms at the regional medical clinic. A few years ago the foundation funded the minimally invasive surgical suite at the cost of $210,000. “We annually give $100,000 back to the hospital,” Lair said. “We try to help every department as much as we can. “Thanks to the support of the Grande Ronde Amateur participants, auction supporters and private donors to the foundation, the foundation has been able to invest $1.3 million into the hospital since 1995.” But the GRH Foundation is also giving back to the golfers this season. The entry is $100, but players will see that money coming right back to them. “Typically the tee-prize has been a polo. This year we were able to find some great vests that are valued at $100. So you’re paying $100 to play, but you’re getting it right back. It’s a really good value to our golfers.” Golfers also receive range balls, a chance at $5,000 in cash prizes and a dinner ticket to the Saturday night auction. Auction items include vacation packages, signed memorbilla, and much more. For golfers, there’s a golf vacation package to New Mexico. “There’s a little something for everyone” Lair said. “People have been very genouros in donating things for the auction. It should be the best one we’ve ever had.” The prime rib and chicken dinner will be at the Blue Mountain Conference Center, and is catered by Class Act. The doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7. Fifty-five golfers have signed up so far. Lair expects the field will fill out to 100 golfers by the time the tournament opens Friday. For more information, toregister for the Grande Ronde Amateur or to purchase tickets to the dinner and benefit auction, call 963-1431.
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