Folks at Marian Medical Center’s (MMC) Foundation were watching the weather reports very carefully the weekend before Monday, March 28, the date for their annual Leland Simas and Felix Fly, M.D. Memorial Golf Tournament at the Santa Maria Country Club.
Several days of pounding rains made people nervous, even when those people—like Sister Janet Corcoran (Marian Medical Center vice president)—are known to have the very best connections with weather-influencing bodies.
But the sun came out and presented a sunny—if a bit chilly—day, perfectly suitable for 124 golfers teeing off at 10.
Former Mayor Ralph Bunch, KCOY’s Jim (“I’m not a golfer, I’m a weatherman”) Byrne, and county supervisor Steve Lavagnino were among the registrants milling about the green just before the start of the tournament.
Congratulatory golfers swarmed around MMC president and CEO Chuck Cova. He’s assistant coach of the St. Joseph girls basketball team, which made local sports history with its recent big win of a state championship.
Inside the club, board member Mary Spallino and board president Raul Segura dispensed excellent bloody Marys: “It helps the golfers loosen up, Segura said. “You need to try it,” Spallino advised. They were both absolutely spot on with their comments.
Mission Bank president Brooks Wise clutched a bundle of giveaways collected at the registration desk.
“I’m loaded up,” he said with a smile.
Also smiling was Joanne Szumski, MMC director of volunteers. “I’m running out of Mulligans,” she happily announced. (Mulligans are chances to replay a bad golf stroke.)
“Last year, Szumski said, “we didn’t sell this many.” Signs of an improving economy, perhaps?
At noon, MMC volunteers served a tri-tip lunch (barbecued by the Elks) at the far end of the golf course.
At about 3 p.m., golfers started to trickle in to the hosted bar for refreshments and the awards ceremony. Coast Hills Federal Credit Union underwrote the cost of drinks and the buffet. Their CEO Jeff York was among the many players.
Cova proudly informed the assembled golfers and guests that construction of the new MMC hospital is on time. The center fully expects the hospital to open around this time next year. Such excitement! We surely can look forward to a series of open houses and tours.
The Cornerstone Campaign, the fundraising arm set up to raise funds for the new hospital, not only met its mark but exceeded the amount of money targeted. This was the largest fundraising campaign in North County history.
Cova also said the new hospital has fielded a flurry of inquiries from doctors considering relocating here because of the enhanced facilities.
Dr. Mark Juretic announced category winners, one of whom was Dr. Dennis Blackburn, MMC chief of staff.
Women’s Fund Holds Reception
The Women’s Fund, an all-female philanthropy group, held a reception at the home of Catherine Welt on March 29.
Purse power is alive and well with this group. They’ve already collected $116,000, which will be distributed at their annual June giveaway reception.
Women’s Fund president Kathy Boysen, research committee chair Didi Reynoso, and Santa Barbara Foundation board president Judy Frost were among those who came to hear Jennifer Mills talk about her nonprofit, Angels, which finds home for infants who in the foster care system.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 7-14, 2011.