The Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation hosted the kick-off for the 18th annual Wayne Pruden Memorial Golf Tournament Wednesday morning.
Innovation Credit Union Manager Chad Gartner was on hand to present the foundation with a cheque for $6,000 as the main sponsor for the event. Gartner said it's a great event for the community and it helps continue Wayne Pruden's community involvement.
"We think it's important that we give back to community involvement," said Gartner.
The tournament, held at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club Monday, June 2, is one of four major fundraisers for the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Claudette McGuire, executive director of the foundation, expects to raise $25,000 to $28,000 from the event. This total would bring the hospital's fundraising total to around $350,000.
The foundation is currently raising money for a new digital fluoroscopy unit, which is a medical imaging device. The estimated cost of the machine is $550,000.
"Effectively, if you need to have this type of diagnostic tool completed, you'd have to go to Saskatoon for that," McGuire said.
The tournament is held in honour of Wayne Pruden, a man who was known for his commitment to his family and the community.
"He really helped when the golf course first started up in it's current location," said McGuire.
North Battleford Golf and Country Club president Dana Johnson says the tournament has sold out.
"This is the largest tournament that we host all year," said Johnson. "It does take quite some time to play, but it takes quite some time to set up, too."
The tournament tees off with a shotgun start beginning at 11 a.m.
"Hopefully Mother Nature will warm up the temperatures and we look forward to another great golf year," said Johnson.
