Thanks to an outpouring of support from generous sponsors and three months of swinging on the links, the third annual Finger Lakes Health Foundation’s virtual 108 Holes for Hearts golf challenge was a success, raising more than $17,000 for UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health cardiology services, equipment and patient financial aid.
The event allows participating players an opportunity to golf at their own rate, at the locations and on the dates of their choosing, with the goal of completing 108 holes (six rounds) over a period of 12 weeks – June 17-September 17. All players, with the help of the Finger Lakes Health Foundation, collect sponsorships totaling $1000 each.
Fifteen golfers from the Albany area, CNY and the Finger Lakes played a combined 5022 holes over the 3 month challenge period, and more than 90 sponsors and donors supported their efforts.
2023 players:
Daisy Bongiovanni – Skaneateles
Mike Bongiovanni – Skaneateles
Carl Chalek – Schenectady
Dave Christiansen – Penn Yan
Jeff Glass – Syracuse
Michael Gleason – Penn Yan
John Kelly – Auburn
Trisha Koczent – Geneva
Ed Lang – Auburn
Fred Lang – Auburn
Ted Lang – Auburn
Joseph Lippa – Auburn
Mark Lowe – Geneva
Michael Rusinko – Penn Yan
Louis Smith – Seneca Falls
For the second year running, Dave and Mickie Christiansen brought in the most donations over the required $1,000 minimum and took home a $500 gift certificate, generously donated by Wegmans of Geneva. Dave sunk 774 putts on the links and along with Mickie, a self-proclaimed ‘arm twister,’ they raised more than $6100 over the required fundraising goal.
UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health offers local, world-class, comprehensive cardiology care, including non-invasive diagnostics, treatment and education, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be earmarked towards the purchase of new cardiovascular ultrasound systems for Geneva General and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospitals. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death from chronic disease in the US and In the Finger Lakes region, accounting for 1 in 3 deaths. Age-adjusted death from cardiovascular disease is 13% greater than from all cancer deaths. The new equipment will Improve local access to and reduce wait times for cutting edge cardiac imaging for patients; help improve detection and diagnosis of both common and rare cardiac conditions; and identify patients that can benefit from medical therapy or procedures to help prolong life and decrease morbidity.
For a complete list of players and sponsors, go to 108 Holes for Hearts Facebook page: Facebook
