The Medical Center Foundation’s 20th Annual
Medical Center Open Sets New Record!

Pete Miller and John Nix, co-chairs of the 20^th Annual Medical Center Open, announced at the 19^th Hole Reception that this year’s golf tournament, which benefits the Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB), raised $233,830.  The tournament was held at Chicopee Woods Golf Course.

“This year’s goal was to raise $155,000 to benefit the Georgia Mountain Food Bank,” said Nancy Colston, executive director of The Medical Center Foundation.  Proceeds will allow the GMFB to construct freezer and refrigerated space at their planned new 20,000 square foot facility.   “We are thrilled to set a new fundraising record for such an important cause,” says Colston.  “A lack of on-site cooler/freezer space at the Food Bank’s current location has limited the amount of fresh produce, milk, cheese, meat and other refrigerated items that can be made available to those in need.  With this cooler space, the GMFB will not have to turn away truck loads of donated products because they lack the capacity to store it.  Many thanks to our volunteer committee for their hard work and to our community for truly making the tournament a success.”

2011 marks the 20^th year of the Medical Center Open, and The Medical Center Foundation celebrated the milestone by inviting past tournament beneficiaries and co-chairs to be a part of the day’s festivities. Since 1997, the Medical Center Open has raised more than $2 million to support community health improvement projects such as Meals on Wheels, Challenged Child and Friends, CASA, and the School Nurse Program.

This year’s Medical Center Open, sponsored by Wells Fargo and The Medical Center Foundation, had nearly 200 sponsors, more than 200 players and 100 volunteers participating in the tournament.  McGarity’s Business Products/ Xerox Corporation sponsored the 19th Hole Reception.

Cutline: L to R: Tournament co-chairs present the check:  Rich White, President, Georgia Mountain Food Bank Board, John Nix, Medical Center Open Co-Chair, Kay Blackstock, Director, Georgia Mountain Food Bank and Pete Miller, Medical Center Open Co-Chair