Casual golfers and golfing fanatics alike recently seized the opportunity to make a difference for patients needing emergency care in Braselton. On Tuesday, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation hosted the 2023 Laurel Classic golf tournament benefitting the expansion of the Emergency Department at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton and announced the renaming of the tournament in honor of long-time Foundation team member, Cheryl Shippey.
“Each year, this event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for health needs within the northeast Georgia community – a legacy we’re proud to carry on in Cheryl’s name,” said Sherri Harrison, chair for the tournament and NGHS Foundation board member. “This year, we’re so thrilled to have the proceeds make a difference in emergency care here in Braselton.”
The existing Emergency Department was originally built in 2015 to handle 25,000 visits per year. Today, more than double that number of patients visit the facility annually.
“Our focus is on providing the people of northeast Georgia with the best possible care when they need it most,” said Angela Gary, executive director of Trauma & Emergency Services at NGHS. “The expansion of our Emergency Department will allow us to continue that mission. We are so grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, and participant involved.”
This year’s golf tournament, presented in partnership with Jackson EMC, was held at Legends at Chateau Elan in Braselton. During the 19th hole reception, sponsored by Funari Realty and Ranger MFO, the Foundation announced that the tournament will be renamed in honor of Cheryl Shippey, a dedicated NGHS advocate who unexpectedly passed in March of this year. Cheryl was well-known in the Braselton community through her work on NGMC Braselton’s Inaugural Campaign and was instrumental in the creation of the Laurel Classic.
“Cheryl was a vital member of our team and touched many lives in the nine years she served NGHS,” said Chris Bray, president of NGHS Foundation. “We feel her loss deeply and know this is a great way to remember her service and all she meant to this community. The Cheryl Shippey Memorial Golf Tournament will keep her memory and fundraising legacy alive for years to come.”
To make a donation or learn more about the NGHS Foundation, its events and other ways to support, visit www.nghs.com/foundation.
About Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation
Founded in 1986, the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to health system improvements, complementary programs and partner organizations throughout the region. In an effort to further the mission of improving the health of the community in all that we do, donations to the Foundation help support innovation and enhancements at all four of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s community hospitals, as well as many health initiatives of the system. It is truly through the generosity of friends and neighbors that many critical, life-saving projects, improvements and patient care services are available today. For more information, visit nghs.com/foundation.