TRURO - The Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation's annual fundraising golf tournament is a date Michelle McCann has circled on her calendar each year.
Evidently, lots of others across Colchester County do too.
The 17th edition of the event, held Wednesday at Truro Golf Club, attracted 132 golfers on 33 teams and raised $65,000 for the foundation, allowing for the purchase of a new medivator, a machine that cleans operating room equipment.
"When we have events like this, that's when you really realize people look forward to the tournament and look forward to coming out," McCann said as the sound of drivers slicing through the air before cracking the ball rang out in the background. "They know they're here for the hospital."
Wednesday's total brings the amount of money raised since the tournament's inception to about $700,000.
Although the event is an exciting one for the foundation's members every year, the 2012 edition was especially so as the staff of Colchester Regional Hospital is getting ready to move to the new hospital this fall.
"So it's a really exciting year and we really wanted to capitalize on that excitement," McCann said.
The funds being directed to the purchase of the medivator also marked a first for the event. Typically, the money raised goes into a general fund.
"It's one of those real workhorse pieces of equipment for the OR," McCann said. "They needed to replace one so the committee said 'this is a great idea, lets go for it.'"
Although the numbers of teams - typically sponsored by businesses - this year was down by two from last year's total, McCann said she was more than happy with the turnout and appreciates the support the foundation gets from the community.
Susan Scharpegge, manager of the Holiday Inn in Truro, wouldn't have missed it for the world. The Truro resident was taking part in her sixth event.
"It's just such an important cause," she said. "There's no question about it when you see how far this community has come in raising money and you see the end product its something the whole community can be proud of and knowing that you personally can make a contribution it is just very rewarding."
Wayne Pickett couldn't agree more. A physician at the hospital since 1998, he sees the positive effects of the fundraiser every day.
"It makes a big difference to patient care," he said. "I've been in it at least five years now. It's a lot of fun and it's for a really good cause."
Pickett said the event is a win-win situation for everyone as participants get out for a fun round of golf while also benefiting the hospital.
"It's just a lot of fun to be out on the golf course," he said.
