The 7th annual St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center Golf Classic/Auction has netted $56,749.71 for Heartland Cancer Center patients. Earnings from this fund are used to help eligible cancer patients receive treatment.

St. Rose owns the cancer center.

"We had a remarkable turnout at our fundraising events," said Mark Mingenback, St. Rose director of business strategy and marketing. "Everyone who donated time or money can take personal satisfaction in helping us raise these much-needed funds.

"Some cancer patients are either uninsured or under-insured," Mingenback added. "This patient care fund can help alleviate some of the financial stress during a difficult time."

Of the grand total, $16,900 from 24 bids was raised for a U.S. flag that has become an annual auction item. The tradition began last year when items included the flag that was flown in Iraq on Sept. 11, 2007, in honor of the St. Rose golf tournament and auction.

Jamie Hutchinson, cancer center director, originally donated the flag. She served as the chief nursing officer at the 447th EMEDS in Iraq and made arrangements to fly the flag.

"We decided to make it a revolving item each year," Mingenback said. "The buyers donate it back to Heartland Cancer Center where it is displayed in the lobby, along with donors’ names."

This new tradition came to life with the help of Darnell Holopirek at the Barton Community College Foundation. For many years, the Foundation has auctioned off "Old Bill," a stuffed buffalo head, as a revolving auction item.

"Darnell gave us good advice about how this works," Mingenback said. "We truly appreciate her expertise and willingness to help with this worthy cause."

Mingenback also thanked all sponsors, donors, bidders, and St. Rose staff and auction committee members "for making this year’s event another great success for the patients at Heartland Cancer Center."