Zipper Open benefit raises money for heart patients
The 11th Annual Charles E. Anthony Zipper Open took place Monday at the Mount Pleasant Country Club to raise money for cardiac patients.
The open featured over 70 golfers who were in "zipper"
and "non-zipper" teams.
The zipper teams consisted of former cardiac patients, some of who have the zipper scar from heart surgery.
Pat Housley, director of public relations for Central Michigan Health Services and widow of Anthony, said the open was another success.
"The event was the best ever," Housley said. "The event just gets bigger every year with more people and sponsors getting involved."
According to Housley, the Zipper Open raised over $6,000 and will enable Central Michigan Community Hospital's cardiac services program to purchase a new piece of cardiac equipment.
Golfers were treated to a variety of special events, contests, and help on the golf course for the four-person scramble format.
The contests included longest drive for men and women, closest to the pin in two and longest putt.
Special celebrity events were provided by Mike Carey and Judi Sullivan.
Carey provided teams an extra drive at the number 10 hole and there was also a photographer on hand to take commemorative team photos.
Carey was also impressed with the event.
"I thought it was another great turnout," Carey said. "This is a nice community event and it gets bigger every year."
Sullivan was at the green on the number five hole where she gave teams an extra putt. She helped two teams by sinking a 25 and 35 foot putt.
Judge Paul O'Connell, part of the original 12 Zipper Open golfers in 1990, was thankful to be a part of the event.
"Life is so precious," O'Connell said. "God has given us (cardiac patients) another chance in life and we're here to make the most of it."
After the round of golf, a heart-healthy luncheon was served to the participants, something that Anthony carefully did in starting the event.
After lunch, Mark Anthony, Charles' son, welcomed the crowd to the event.
Carey followed with some comments and shared some of his personal stories involving Charles Anthony. He concluded with a "bad" joke, something Anthony liked to share with others.
After some other comments from O'Connell, Charles' other son Tom and Mark passed out various awards and prizes.
Tom Anthony expressed his excitement for the people who participated that have once gone through heart surgery.
"This is a group of people who want to celebrate life," Anthony said. "People think that once you have heart surgery you can't resume a normal life and that's just not true."
Housley also noted that this event is where everyone had fun, something that typified Charles' personality.
"Everybody had a good time, they had a good meal and good fun together," Housley said. "The event keeps the memory of Charlie alive and reflects his positive outlook on life"
