Sponsored by Bethesda Foundation

Bethesda Foundation is once again hosting the Drive for Excellence golf tournament, and the community is invited.

Linda Peters is the Executive Director for Bethesda Foundation. She says the annual fundraiser is a win-win.

“Not only do you enjoy a great day of golf, but you’re also supporting meaningful initiatives that enhance healthcare for the Southeast!”

This year, the event takes place on Friday, June 17th at 11:00 AM at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club. Each participant’s $150 entry includes a cart, lunch, and a charitable tax receipt for $50.

“Eagle and Birdie sponsorships are also available, at $2000 and $1000 respectively,” adds Peters. “Eagle level comes with four golfers, and Birdie level with two golfers, plus some advertising and promotion for the sponsor.”

In order to be as safe as possible, lunch will be served outside.

"In the past, we’ve gathered everybody at the beginning for a lunch, and again at the end of the tournament for some appetizers and handing out of prizes,” explains Peters. “However, this year, in the interest of not gathering the group unnecessarily, we'll gather just once for lunch outside before the tournament begins.”

Golf Tournament fundraiser in Steinbach.

The Bethesda Foundation has worked to improve health care facilities in the community for over 40 years. Funds raised in the past have gone toward large capital projects such as CancerCare, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, Primary Care, and the Stonebridge Wellness Centre, as well as for purchasing specialized equipment for the Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

“The refurbishing of the Healing Garden at the hospital has provided a place where natural beauty can inspire restfulness and healing for all who pass through,” adds Peters. “In addition to this, a recent donation to Eden Health Care Services will help to enhance much-needed mental health services and supports in our community.”

Most recently, Bethesda Foundation is raising the required community contribution of $5.3 million for the large expansion of the Rest Haven Care Home.

Peters says the community has dealt with a severe shortage of personal care home beds for many years.

“We’re so pleased with the completion of the much-anticipated Rest Haven expansion,” enthuses Peters. “Their model of having households, neighbourhoods, and communities in this new expansion makes it feel so much more like a home than an institution. And the new ‘DementiAbility’ care method that Rest Haven has embraced will allow for more individualized activities and interactions for residents, significantly improving their quality of life. It’s all very exciting!”

While Bethesda Foundation continues to identify gaps in healthcare services in the community, Peters says everyone on the Board of the Bethesda Foundation is grateful to the community for joining their efforts to improve healthcare in our region.

“Thank you to the community for your generosity and for your continued support.”

This year’s Drive for Excellence golf tournament will be Friday, June 17th, at 11:00 AM at Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club. Funds raised will go toward future projects.

To learn more or to register, contact Laurie Unrau by email at lunrau@bethesdafoundation.ca or by calling (204) 326-1054.