Every year, Love's convenient stores, all 300 of them across the country, do a rally during the month of September to raise funds for their nearest Children's Miracle Network Hospital. In Elk City's case, it is the Children's Hospital Foundation Hospital located in the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
A little over a month ago we were approached by Billie McGowan, manager at the Love's store on exit 41, to see if we could host a fundraiser. Knowing that our schedule was already crowded, the possibility of yet another tournament that would tie up the golf course for a day for members or visitors, it would have to be approved by the Board so I approached them to see what they thought about it. In the August 20 meeting, they unanimously agreed to host it on September the 14th... only three and a half weeks away! Billie took the challenge.
A couple of days later, we had a meeting. By then, she had enrolled the help of Linn Energy, who in turn had not only offered a large donation that paid for the use of the course and facilities, but also named Curt Hayes, Paige Ballard and Paul Lamle to help her get teams and donations. After the meeting, each one of us had an assignment and our goal was to get 16-18 teams to participate and a net donation of $6K-$8k was expected.It turns out that we (I) had totally underestimated the well known generosity of Western Oklahoma and all of our neighbors in Texas, not to mention the enthusiasm with which Paul, Paige, Curt and Billie would approach the task, even though they had never done a tournament.
Between Billie who knocked on doors, made phone calls and visits, and Curt, who did everything in his power to enlist as many of those who do business with Linn Energy to participate, we ended up with 32 teams at $440ea. and over 30 co-sponsors! In the planning, we went from reserving 20 additional carts, to 30, then 40, and finally last week, I suggested we get 50 "just in case"... let's just say the 40 would not have been enough! The end result was that the net donation to the hospital will be $20K-$25K!! No telling what this group can do if you give them more than 24 days to host a benefit tournament! TALKING ABOUT "COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS" THAT DO NOT NEED TO BRAG ABOUT THEIR WORK!
AS far as the cause, I can say is: TRUST ME, IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A SICK CHILD, AND MORE, IF IT IS A LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS IS, OR YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE, YOU BEGIN TO SENSE THAT USING THEIR HOSPITAL IS MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND THE CHILDREN. IT IS A GREAT CAUSE AND YOU WILL WANT THOSE COMPETENT DOCTORS AND STAFF ON YOUR SIDE, BECUASE THEY ARE ALSO HUMAN BEINGS WHO UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN AND KNOW THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY, OR THE TIME TO BE QUIET....Among the hosts of the event, we had Dustin Smith whose infant son Aiden, was the recipient of such love, professionalism and care by the staff of the Oklahoma Children's Hospital... and among the players, we had Mark Simpson, Aiden's "grandpa".
Even though the doctors could not help Aiden come out of a severe attack of "whooping cough", the Smith family is forever grateful for all the care and professionalism that the doctors showed. Later, rather courageously, Dustin gave his account of his family's experience to over 50 people gathered inside the club as the inconsequential results of a golf outing were being posted outside... I wish I had been there, though he had already shared the same story with me a couple of hours before, a story that revived personal and distant memories of two occasions, one of which was a life victory....
With this, on behalf of the tournament, I want to thank the Board of Directors at Elk City Golf & C.C. for their understanding and permission to rent the facilities on a date that was not within their policies, you were part of this really good and happy ending success; I want to thank our membership for their understanding and support of this event, and of course, thank you to all those who donated to this worthy cause, and to Marcus Dupree, who after the event took the time to sign autographs and memorabilia for the participants (his participation was a total surprise for everyone!); I also want to thank Billie, Curt, Paul and Paige, for their hard work which made me, the country club, the businesses community and the golfers who participated look like the ones who made this happen, but we know better; I thank Ramona for her love, patience and tireless help, and last, but not least, thank you to Dustin Smith for reinforcing to us that courage and personal faith are something we all have to work on a daily basis. God knows well that some of us could we have dealt with the same pain without at the very least, expending or questioning our faith or the ability of those whom we trust our or our children's health to, even knowing that we cannot win ever single battle. Thank you Dustin!
Oh yes... the golfers! Even though the weather was overcast, a little damp and much cooler than most golfers like for a day of golf in Western Oklahoma, everyone had a great time being part of this great cause. Here are the results:
"A" Flight: (52) Sooner Oil Services; (54) Jack Christian; (56) Greg Dodson Construction;
"B" Flight: (58) Gallagher Welding & Construction; (58) Ranger Oilfield; (59) Anadarko Dozer; (59) Brad O'Hara Insurance
"C" Flight: (63) Phillip Byer Oil, (63) McCarty Equipment; (64) Crescent Services.
"D" Flight: (67) Top-O Texas Oil; (67) C-3 Inspection Services, (68) Rockwater Energy.
(note: for those who read this we will include players' names later in the day)
Thank you and we'll see you next year!