By Tony Callaio
For Sunday Dispatch
FALLS — After a torrential downpour this past Thursday, the Emanon Golf Course dried out Friday with the sun shining on the Fifth Annual Care and Concern Free Health Clinic Golf Tournament. The field of 116 strong began with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Tom Medico served as honorary chairperson.
According to Gloria Blandina, Care and Concern Clinic director, this yearly event brings in a substantial amount of money. Last year the event raised $25,000.
“All of the proceeds go back into the clinic where the money will be used for x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, blood work and medications,” Blandina explained. The clinic partners with Geisinger Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre Imaging for testing and spends up to $45,000 annually for diagnostic services.
Blandina was quick to thank volunteers for helping, not only with the tournament, but also with contributions. Those volunteers include Didge and Paula Connors, Rich and Jackie Amico, Bernice and Carmen Ambrosino, Mary Rossi, Bill and Janet Joyce, Gina Rushkowski, Angelo Montante, Nancy Somers, Mary Ellen Hromisin, Carl Witkowski and Eric Beiler.
Maureen Heffren volunteers in the clinic’s intake department. “It’s wonderful and humbling to treat the patients as they come into the clinic and I’m very happy to be involved with the golf tournament,” Heffren said. “It was a very enjoyable day.”
At the conclusion of the golf tournament, a dinner was held at the old Seton Catholic cafeteria.
“The clinic holds two fundraisers a year — this event and the train ride from Duryea to Jim Thorpe that will be held on Sept. 13. It’s the friendships we make through these fundraisers that makes us humbled and honored,” Blandina concluded.
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