Health First Golf Classic at the Suntree Country Club Raised More than $383,000 for Aging Services Division - Space Coast Daily (2024)

Scratch Golf Raises Dough for Aging Services

Sunny rounds at Suntree Country Club scores more than $383,000 for Health First Aging Services.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The four-person scramble known as the Health First Golf Classic went off beneath gorgeous sunny skies April 8 at the Suntree Country Club.

The annual tournament coordinated by the Health First Foundation is played by event sponsor teams, and this year’s tournament field included 212 golfers who helped raise more than $383,000 for Health First Aging Services.

The Trane US, Inc. team of Justin Bach, Jason Aki, Charles Steward and Philip Crist shot the lowest round on the Classic Course, while the e4health-Stuart Mitchell team of Andy Zogg, Brad Allen, Adam DesPres and Mitchell turned in the lowest scorecard on the Challenge Course.

Kent Smith, Interim CEO of Health First and chair of its board of directors, took a moment during the lunch banquet following play to thank the golfers and highlight how they’re raising access to care in Brevard County.

“Thanks to your support, we were able to fully fund our Medical Directorship of Aging Services [this year], ensuring that vital services are provided through our Memory Disorder Clinic and Center for Family Caregivers – free of charge.

“It signifies our commitment to supporting our aging community members and their caregivers with dedicated and experienced medical oversight, led by our Medical Director, Dr. Visa [Srinivasan].”

Aging Services

Dr. Visa Srinivasan, Medical Director of Health First’s Aging Services, reminded those in the banquet hall that 100% of the funds goes toward Aging Services, a division of Health First that includes the Memory Disorders Clinic, the Center for Family Caregivers, and other programs.

“For 20 years, we’ve been committed to improving the health and wellness of seniors and their caregivers in Brevard County,” Srinivasan said. “Because of you, people living with life-altering illnesses such as dementia are able to get the personalized care they need regardless of their medical, social, economic or financial situations.”

Clinical care, support groups, classes, creative workshops and other services are available because of the generosity of the businesses and individuals who give and turn out to play.

“So thank you for believing in our work,” she told the audience. “At Health First, the future is well, and we are so grateful that you are a part of it.”

‘Big Impact on Our Aging Community’

The event was chaired by Barry Forbes, who also serves as chair of the Health First Foundation.

“This event’s always been one of my favorites, not only because we get to enjoy the great course and, today, the great weather here at Suntree, but because of the big impact it has on our aging community,” Forbes said.

“I’ve heard through the community may times that this is one of the best run golf tournaments in the county, and I think that’s what keeps all of you coming back every year,” he added, before thanking first the golfers, then the staff of the Health First Foundation.

“You or someone you know has likely been touched by Health First, either through direct, even life-saving care, or through wellness programs and outreach,” said Michael Seeley, President of the Health First Foundation.

“We all believe that the Golf Classic is as fun and well-run as it is purposeful, but it is that purpose that motivates all of us at Health First. We all want to age with independence and wellness, and Health First’s Aging Services is committed to that and touches so many families at that moment when the need is greatest.”

Health First Golf Classic Major Sponsors

Title Sponsor:

■Gilbane Building Company

Diamond Sponsors

■321 – The Agency

■W&J Construction

■Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP

Platinum Sponsor:

■L3Harris Technologies

Gold Sponsors

■8×8

■e4health

■The Lawrence Group

■Scott and Monica Mikuen

■Trace3

Silver Sponsors:

■Bob and Pat Henry

■United Community Bank

Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County’s not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully integrated delivery network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and outpatient and wellness services.
As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is grateful for support from the community through the Health First Foundation.

For more information on the Health First Golf Classic, visitHF.org/GolfClassic. To learn more about sponsoring an upcoming Health First Foundation event, please call 321.434.7353.