Calling all players and sponsors – the field is now open to register for the third annual Finger Lakes Health ‘108 Holes for Hearts’ virtual golf tournament! Introduced in 2021, this unique event replaces the traditional, 20+ year-old tournament as a key fundraiser for Finger Lakes Health’s cardiology services, equipment and patient financial aid.
This virtual event allows participating players 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. Players, with the help of the Finger Lakes Health Foundation, collect sponsorships totaling $1000 each- or the equivalent of 10 sponsors donating $1/hole. Last year, participating golfers hit the links from the Albany area, Central New York and the Finger Lakes, offering tremendous visibility for sponsors.
Heart disease accounts for one in three deaths in the US. In the Finger Lakes region, deaths from cardiovascular disease are 13% greater than ALL cancer deaths. Lack of access to cardiac care and availability of diagnostic imaging are significant barriers for the prevention of heart disease for patients in our area. This year, the Finger Lakes Health Foundation has launched a special fundraising campaign to purchase new, state-of- the-art Cardiovascular Ultrasound systems for Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital. This equipment will help prevent ER visits and hospitalizations, avoid unnecessary deaths and prolong life through earlier detection and treatment.
Proceeds from the tournament will support the purchase of this equipment as well as help cardiology patients who are struggling with payments receive the care they need.
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. Patients receive individualized assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. Care is provided by board-certified cardiologist, Jonathan Rodriguez, M.D., FACC, Rachel Miller, DNP, FNP-BC, Pamela Hobart, ANP-BC, RNFA, and Yvonne Jolly, ANP-BC of Geneva General Cardiology Associates, at two locations – Geneva General Hospital and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital in Penn Yan. Finger Lakes Health provides services to all in our community who need it, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Helen Kelley, Director of Development for Finger Lakes Health Foundation says, “We are grateful for the players and sponsors who have supported this unique idea and are excited to host the event again this year. This is a simple concept that doesn’t require the large amount of staff and volunteer time of a traditional golf tournament, and that allows a huge portion of the proceeds to directly benefit the patients we serve.”
Kelley adds, “We know folks are going to be playing anyway…why not play for a great cause?”
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register as a player, check out the event website: 108 HOLES FOR HEARTS (runsignup.com)
