Cheryl Shippey Memorial Golf Tournament
Event Details
May 20, 2025
Start Times
Player Registration – 8:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start – 10:00 a.m.
19th Hole Reception – 4:00 p.m.
The Cheryl Shippey Memorial golf tournament, previously called the Laurel Classic, is named in memory of Cheryl Shippey, a beloved NGHS Foundation team member, who unexpectedly passed in March 2023. She was well-known in the Braselton community for her work on NGMC Braselton’s Inaugural Campaign and was instrumental in the creation of the Laurel Classic. We are proud to honor her legacy with the renaming of this special golf tournament.
- Charles and Diane Stephens
- Kathy Fauscett, Chair
- Kerri Athanas
- Carey Baeumel
- Audra Edwards
- Kathy Fauscett
- Toni Funari
- Sherri Harrison
- Hardy Johnson
- David Lee
- Tate O’Rouke
- Russell Smith
- Ben Sousa
- Michelle Zimmerman
Making an impact
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton’s Emergency Department was built in 2015 to serve 25,000 visits a year. Unfortunately, volumes have far exceeded capacity over the years, with more than 52,000 visits in 2022. In November 2022, Northeast Georgia Health System announced the expansion of the Braselton campus with plans to increase capacity in the Emergency Department. Proceeds from the Cheryl Shippey Memorial will go to benefit the expansion of this vital resource in the region.
Additional resources
NGHS golf tournament honors community member
The inaugural Cheryl Shippey Memorial golf tournament, which teed off Tuesday, May 14, at Legends at Chateau Elan in Braselton amidst the rain and chill, raised more than $300,000. Formerly known as the Laurel Classic, this newly renamed event paid tribute to the late Cheryl Shippey, with funds raised going to expand the emergency department at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton.
Shippey, a long-time Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation employee, died in March 2023. She worked on NGMC Braselton’s initial fundraising campaign and was instrumental in the creation of the Laurel Classic golf tournament.
“After Cheryl’s passing, the community wanted a way to honor her dedication and passion to NGHS,” said Chris Bray, president and chief philanthropy officer of the NGHS Foundation. “Through the renaming of this tournament, her legacy is able to live on and she is able to continue making a difference in the community she loved.”
The expansion, set to finish in 2026, will double the size of NGMC Braselton’s emergency department, which has far outgrown its original capacity. Built in 2015 to handle 25,000 visits yearly, the existing department now sees over 60,000 patients each year.
“Expanding our emergency department capacity is crucial to fulfilling our mission of providing outstanding care for northeast Georgians when they need it most,” said Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. “We’re deeply grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers and participants who made this fundraising event possible through their generous support.”
The tournament was presented in partnership with Jackson EMC, and drew 116 golfers who competed for the top spot. The winning team was from Mall of Georgia Ford, and included Rush Berry, Matt Pruitt, David Wehunt and Jeff Wessels.
“We are so thankful to those who came out and showed support, despite the rain,” said Kathy Fauscett, chairwoman of the golf committee. “This event, which honors Cheryl and her philanthropic spirit, is a true testament to our community’s unwavering support for our local hospital. This generosity makes a positive impact on the future of healthcare in our community.”
To donate or learn more about the NGHS Foundation, its events and other ways to support, visit nghs.com/foundation.