HOISINGTON — Clara Barton Foundation’s 18th annual Benefit Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction in June netted $38,900. The money raised is having an impact on quality of care received at Clara Barton Hospital’s Emergency room. Proceeds from this year’s event are being used to replace aging cardiac equipment through the purchase three cardiac monitors. These monitors are located at the bedside in each of the hospital’s emergency rooms to meet any patient acuity need. This equipment will assist in prompt assessment, identification and ultimately lead to timely treatment of many medical conditions by our medical providers and nursing staff.

"We are so grateful to the community for their support of this event so that we can bring state-of-the-art equipment to Clara Barton Hospital," said Michelle Moshier, executive director of the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation.

The golf tournament drew a few less golfers than the year prior, but organizers were still very pleased with the tournament results. Twenty-six teams participated and helped the foundation achieve its goal to purchase the cardiac equipment.

A dinner was held after the tournament for golfers and community supporters at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The evening was capped off with a great silent and live auction.

With the 10th year anniversary of the Hoisington tornado, the foundation wanted to celebrate this year’s annual event in a special way that remembered that event, but celebrated the growth and success that has come since that dreadful night on April 21, 2001, explained Moshier.

At the dinner, each place setting had a place mat with a variety of newspaper clippings and pictures from the April 2001 F4 tornado. In the path of the tornado was not only the hospital and clinic but other health care providers. Dentists’ offices, the eye doctor, and pharmacy were all damaged during the tornado.

Health care as we knew it in Hoisington came to a halt and was crippled from days to months in some cases. The place mats recalled memories of the destruction but also gave a picture of the success and re-growth that has occurred, explained Moshier.

Since this year’s project was the cardiac equipment, they looked to the tin man and his desire for a heart to pull the "There’s No Place Like Clara Barton" theme together for the event. It was a fun way to celebrate the cardiac project and the 10th anniversary of the Hoisington tornado said Moshier.

They even had a yellow-brick road thanks to the artwork of Cody Cook. Special commemorative center pieces were constructed out of small limestone post and barbed wire shaped like a tornado on a wooden base. The centerpieces were given away as door prizes and several survivors of the Hoisington tornado were happy to be able to take the decoration home, said Moshier.

The procurement committee was very pleased with the items donated this year. Over one hundred and ninety businesses and individuals donated hundreds of items to be auctioned. The auction raised just over $14,600. "We are very grateful to all of the business and donors who contributed items to make this auction a success," said Karla Berry, auction committee chair.

Mike Boys, co-chair for the past nine years, was recognized for his years of volunteer service to this event with a special Clara Barton Foundation golf towel. Awards were also presented for six hole prizes and the winners of the putting contest.