By Rob Potter
MONTICELLO — July 27, 2004 – Nearly 100 golfers took to the course at Kutsher’s Country Club on Thursday to raise money for a good cause.
Twenty-four foursomes participated in the sixth annual Mahogany Ridge Hunting Club golf tournament. After finishing play on the course, the golfers joined the hunting club members at the nearby Mahogany Ridge club property for an awards dinner.
Mahogany Ridge Hunting Club President Jim Steinberg announced that the event had raised a total of $3,500. The money will be donated to the Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Oncology Medication Fund.
Proceeds from the previous five tournaments, which totaled $17,000, were given to the CRMC Cancer Research Program.
“The medication fund helps cancer patients who are unable to afford their medication to get that medication,” said Linda Smith, who is a former staff member of the CRMC Oncology/Hematology Unit and was volunteering at the golf tournament. “It assists patients whose insurance may not totally cover the cost of the medication or those who don’t have insurance. Many of the local pharmacies are involved in the program. It’s a wonderful program.”
Smith also praised the Mahogany Ridge Hunting Club members and the golfers for what they do.
“The proceeds from the golf tournament really help the medication fund,” she said.
Steinberg noted that the hunting club members began the golf tournament in 1999 as a way to help the community.
“We wanted to raise money that would be kept locally, so somebody from here could benefit from the funds,” he said.
Steinberg and Tournament Chairman Bill Thelman presented the $3,500 check to Smith, CRMC Oncology/Hematology Unit Office Manager Kathy Valenti and Oncology/Hematology Unit Receptionist Heather Noller.
“Thank you all very much,” Valenti said. “This money will be put to good use.”
Following the check presentation, several sporting goods were raffled off. The winners took home prizes such as hats, t-shirts, coolers and golf bags.
In addition, a 50/50 raffle was held.
Despite the best efforts of the 96 golfers, the hole-in-one prize of a new Pontiac from Roche’s Garage in Callicoon went unclaimed.
Paul Decker won the prize for the longest drive. Tom Kelly captured the prize for closest to the pin. The ladies low net prize was won by Christine Decker.
The winners of the event were determined by the Calloway scoring system. Capturing first place was Mike Simmone with a 73.
The afternoon’s other top golfers were: Paul Decker (second place, 73), Pete Cahalan (third, 73), Rick Whitney (fourth, 74), Dennis Enser (fifth, 74), Gene Ketcham (sixth, 74) and John Stubits (seventh, 74).
“This was our second largest tournament,” Steinberg said. “It was a good event and hopefully we can do it again next year.”
Thelman echoed Steinberg’s sentiments.
“We had a great tournament, everybody seemed to enjoy themselves,” he said. “And it didn’t rain, that’s good.”