16th Annual McKenzie Golf Scramble Reaches New Record

McKenzie Auxiliary members paused for a photo in front of Bender Builders’ SkyTrak which is used in the Annual Golf Ball Drop. Back Row (l to r): Sharon Danek, Patti O’Connor, Donna Foster, Audrey Essenmacher, Mary Sweet, Carol Douglas, Lynn Fuller, Margie Jensen, Margaret Rhead, Shari Phipps. Front Row: Jo Derr, Ginny Bissett, Emma Navarro, Erny Doerr, Merrily Loding, Sherry Ulrich, Nina Barnett, Kelsey Loding.

The McKenzie Auxiliary Golf Scramble, which took place on Thursday, June 9, saw an increased involvement by sponsors and teams alike. When everything was tallied, the event raised over $30,000 in proceeds for the McKenzie Health System Auxiliary, a new event record.

For the fifth year, the event featured a Golf Ball Drop, where Bender Builders dropped golf balls from a Skytrak before the event’s shotgun start. Mark Campbell was the winner of the $1,000 Golf Ball Drop prize for having the first ball in the hole.

This year’s Golf Ball Drop winner of $1,000 was Mark Campbell. Pictured (l to r): Emma Navarro, Auxiliary Co-President, Mark Campbell, and Kelsey Loding, Auxiliary Co-President.

“This annual event is always an exciting time,” said Emma Navarro, McKenzie Auxiliary Co-President. “We have a very committed group that works hard and puts in many hours to make this a magnificent event for all, and we are thrilled to report a banner year for the Golf Scramble!”

“We want to give a special word of thanks to this year’s sponsors including: Nicklaus sponsors Covenant HealthCare, The Hamed Family, Moulton Financial Group, R.B.B.R. Building and Remodeling LLC, and Tribune Recorder Leader; Palmer Sponsor A&D Home Health and Hospice Care; Watson Sponsors Coverys and X-Ray Associates of Port Huron, P.C.; Hole-in-One Sponsor Graff Chevrolet Buick – Sandusky; Golf Ball Drop Sponsor Bender Builders, LLC.; Dinner Sponsors Ball Equipment, Integrated Systems Consultants, Sandusky Car Wash, and Stifel; Golfapalooza Sponsor Kohler’s Propane Company; and Bloody Mary Bar Sponsor Bender Builders, LLC,” adds Kelsey Loding, McKenzie Auxiliary Co-President. “We are also grateful for our many other sponsors, donors, and of course the teams who vied for the winning titles.”

With thirty-six teams at the tournament, and many generous donors and sponsors, this year’s annual event raised funds to go toward the purchase of gastroenterology equipment that will provide a higher definition view for the gastroenterologist and general surgeons and is adaptable for newer scopes as they become available.

Procedures that require this type of equipment are performed more than any other in the McKenzie Health System surgical department. Upper GI (EGD) and lower GI scopes may not be exciting, but they are lifesaving. These scopes help doctors diagnose and treat problems such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), colon cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis and diverticulitis, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other gastrointestinal disorders.

“The McKenzie Auxiliary has been an important part of our organization for over five decades,” shares Steve Barnett, President and CEO at McKenzie Health System. “It is inspiring to look back and see the impact they have made on our organization and, most importantly, in the care of patients right here in our community. I am grateful for and proud of this wonderful group of volunteers!”

Four-person teams enjoyed eighteen holes of golf with opportunities to join in other contests along the way, including a “hole in one” contest, sponsored by Graff Chevrolet Buick in Sandusky, and a “Golfapalooza” sponsored by Kohler Propane.

Winners of this year’s scramble are:

· Men: Ameriprise Financial – David Hanson, Bill Lackowski, Darren Essenmacher, and Al Pollum.

· Women: Karole Mezo, Betty Rich, Glenda Kirkbride, and Anna Minzey.

· Mixed: Chris Ball, Tiffany Poturica, Tony Doerr, and Lauren Fillenworth.

Community members can mark their calendars for the 17th annual McKenzie Golf Scramble, scheduled for June 8, 2022.

All proceeds from the annual Golf Scramble and other Auxiliary fundraising efforts are donated to McKenzie Health System. Founded in 1967, the MHS Auxiliary is comprised of individuals that volunteer thousands of hours. Members donate their time and talents for the benefit of the hospital, working in the gift shop, providing support at community events, and coordinating fundraising opportunities. For more information about volunteering, contact Nina Barnett, MHS Auxiliary Liaison, at 810-648-6127 or nbarnett@mckenziehealth.org. For membership information, contact Lynn Fuller, MHS Auxiliary Membership Chair, at 810-648-6150 (ext. 366) or lfuller@mckenziehealth.org.