The Clinic Golf Classic Tees Off At RiverCrest

Whether you are as comfortable on a golf course as Tiger Woods or more at home playing putt-putt, next week you can enjoy the sport Mark Twain once dubbed "a good walk spoiled" while supporting a good cause.

On Tues., May 31, The Clinic will host its Ninth Annual Golf Classic, chaired by Judi Hanz, at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve.

The Clinic was founded in 2001 by Dr. Lorna B. Stuart and the Reverend Marie Z. Swayze.  Stuart and Swayze dreamt of creating a medical center that would provide primary medical care services to people who did not have medical insurance.

Today, The Clinic boasts a dedicated mostly volunteer staff of 25 doctors, 35 nurses and more than 100 additional volunteers who donate their time to caring for the uninsured and underinsured. Although treatment is not entirely free, patients are asked to pay only what they can afford.

Last year, patients visited The Clinic more than 10,000 times, receiving both primary and specialist medical care, including ophthalmology, urology, gynecology and pediatrics. The Clinic also provides addiction and nutrition counselling.

Since only 16 percent of The Clinic's budget comes from patient payments and it does not receive government support, next week's golf outing is particularly important to the organization's fiscal health.

According to The Clinic's Director of Development, Debbie Shupp, the golf outing "is our biggest fundraiser of the year. It provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to support the work of The Clinic. Through sponsorships, donations of goods and services and golfing on the day of the event, the entire community can help to provide qualtiy health care for those who do not have health insurance."

"Besides," she continued, "it is a great chance to golf at RiverCrest, which is one of the finest golf courses in southeastern Pennsylvania."

Indeed, the course at RiverCrest is known for its blend of challenge and playability for golfers of all skill levels.

In addition a day on the course and the opportunity to support a worthy cause, players will also enjoy a buffet lunch and awards dinner featuring a silent auction and raffles.

This year's Title Sponsor is the Craig Roberts M.D. Memorial Fund (funded by Drs. John Pell, H. William Schaaf and Dr. Frederic Liss), which honors the contributions of Roberts, a noted Phoenixville orthopedic surgeon perhaps best known for his work with Vietnam War amputees. Additional sponsors include Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust, The Addis Group, Prosit Printing Solutions and Marsh Creek Signs.

What you need to know: 

Prices: Foursome - $1,000; Individual - $275. Registration covers greens fees, cart, buffet lunch, prizes, cocktails and dinner. On-site registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun tee-off at 12:30 p.m. Those who prefer the club house to the golf course may purchase dinner for $75. For more information on participating in Tuesday's Golf Classic, complete the sponsorship packet or contact The Clinic at 610-935-1134.