Golf tourney slated as part of balloon fest
PRESQUE ISLE — A new event planned to coincide with this year’s Crown of Maine Balloon Festival will allow golfers to enjoy a day on the links while raising money for much needed equipment for the most vulnerable newborn babies at The Aroostook Medical Center.
The Balloonfest Open Golf Tournament hosted by TAMC gets underway with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Presque Isle Country Club. Organizers are looking forward to hosting the first-time event, and a key fundraiser for the Women’s and Children’s Unit at the A. R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle.
“Just imagine starting your morning seeing the majestic hot air balloons aloft in the skies over the Star City and ending a day of golf with friends to an equally awe inspiring sight, all the while knowing you are helping ensure a healthy start for the very smallest of County kids,” said Bobbie-Jo Caron, tournament organizer. “We welcome golfers of all ability to join us for a great event supporting a great cause.”
Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of two Giraffe Warmers that will assist in providing neo-natal intensive care at TAMC. The warmers provide uninterrupted thermal support while at the same time giving a care giver or a team of care givers complete access and visibility to the newborn, making it much easier to perform procedures such as X-rays and surgery.
“The new Giraffe warmers will provide us with the most up to date equipment to provide a safe and warm environment after birth and during procedures. Newborns are very sensitive to the changes in temperature and they can become cold very quickly. The new equipment will allow our doctors and nursing staff to observe and care for the babies while they stay warm and this reduces the risk of complications. We are extremely grateful that money raised through this tournament will go toward the purchase of this much needed and generous gift to our unit,” said Irene Bouchard, manager of TAMC’s Women’s and Children’s Unit.
The Balloonfest Open Golf Tournament is a four-person team scramble. Registration for the event is $60 per person, which includes greens fees, a barbecue lunch, giveaways and eligibility for prize drawings.
To register for the event on-line go to www.tamc.org. For more information or to register by phone, call 768-4858.
