SARASOTA, FL (May 8, 2018) – A sold-out field of more than 200 players participated in the 17th Annual Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s (SMHF) golf tournament on May 4, raising a record amount for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s (SMH) Physician Endowment Fund that supports education for SMH staff.

The day-long event, played over two courses at Laurel Oak Country Club, raised more than $120,000.

Premier Sponsor for the event was RBC Wealth Management. Chairman for this year’s tournament was David Fouche, owner of J2 Solutions, a local general contracting and construction management firm.

RBC Wealth Management Team on the Course (pictured L-R) Phil Needs, Tim Towell, Richard Gress, Ryan Lodge

The annual tournament is a collaboration of local businesses and individuals who come together to support the event through sponsorships of golf teams as well as direct and in-kind donations. More than 50 volunteers helped make the event a success.

“The support of everyone – from more than 80 businesses to individual donors and a dedicated corps of volunteers – made for a great day of golf while supporting ongoing education for Sarasota Memorial staff,” said Sally Schule, SMHF director of community engagement.

Every year, the SMH Physician Endowment Fund, supported by the tournament, enables dozens of SMH staff to benefit from opportunities to continue or expand their professional education to improve patient care. Next year’s tournament will be Friday, May 3, 2019 at Laurel Oak County Club.

First place low gross winners were: Jeff Nutson, Bob Simes, Jeff Vollweiler, Mike Willard on East course and Robert Buschman, Joe Lepley, Carl Eskew, Kerry Kleppinger on West course. First place low net winners were: Jim Chappel, Ryan Jones, Jeffery Jones, Juan Villavaces on East course and Mike Russell, Hunter Roberts, Galen Swartzendruber, Justin Dorsey on West course.