Sun shines on “Friends of St Francis” golf tournament & online auction

Submitted by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. All photos submitted.

KILLALOE – On Sept. 2, 36 teams teed up for the annual Friends of St Francis Charity Golf Tournament held at the Homestead at Wolf Ridge Golf course. Above: Participants gather for instructions before the shotgun start.

Running in conjunction with the tournament was the popular online auction that wrapped up on Friday as well. Volunteers and staff of the St Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) organized both events and were thrilled with the results.

Erin Gienow, Executive Director of the SFVHF, said proceeds from the tournament and auction will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator unit at St Francis. This device is a visualization system used for intubation and other critical airway procedures. These are lifesaving devices used in emergency situations to correct an uneven heartbeat in a patient. She said although exact figures would not be known until later this week, this year’s events were “very successful”.

The winning foursome in the tournament was Thomas Yandernoll’s team with a score of minus 15.  Other members were Stephanie Johnson, Courtney Pilgrim and Cutler Lacombe.

The putting contest was won by Eugene Bloskie with 75 points, who received a gift certificate from the Ash Grove Inn for a night’s stay, dinner and breakfast. 

Above, clockwise from top left: Tom Wilson (L), Dave Lapenskie, Dave Lacroix and Brian Norlock before the shotgun start. The winning team, with a score of minus 15, was comprised of: Thomas Yandernoll (L), Stephanie Johnson, Courtney Pilgrim and Cutler Lacombe. Volunteers Maria Danielski (L) and Margaret Grey helped out with the putting contest. Online auction volunteers and sisters Christine Hudder (L), Rosanne Hoffman and Lorraine Coulter. Volunteers Joanne and John Olsen assisted with the Hole in One contest sponsored by Summers Bros Ford.

Gienow said the tournament and online auction would not be possible without the generous support of over 125 sponsors, volunteers and staff at the Foundation. 

“This year, we returned to the shot-gun start,” Gienow said. “The weather was beautiful and it was great to see so many returning teams and we also had the opportunity to meet a few new teams as well.” 

Those present were also entertained in the afternoon by musical guests, Dr Jason Malinowski, Amy Easton and Kirk Harber who are members of the Odd Man Out band. 

While fun was had by all, Gienow added, “We hope that everyone that contributed to the tournament and online auction know that they are making a tremendous impact on local healthcare by ensuring that our wonderful care staff have the tools they need to care for us all!”