Zipper Open raises $20,470 for equipment
A record high 140 golfers took the green in the 2003 Zipper Open Golf Outing, topping all previous year’s success.
The 14th annual fund-raiser sponsored by the Central Michigan Community Hospital raised $20,470.68 to benefit cardiac services at the hospital.
CMCH Fund Development Officer Connie McCann said this was the best year ever in the fund-raiser’s history.
“In the original years, we might have had 40 to 44 golfers. To go beyond triple that is wonderful,” she said.
McCann said the hospital came in just above its goal of $20,000. With the money raised, the hospital will be able to purchase a new treadmill for stress testing, touch screen technology for cardiac rehabilitation and new Holter monitors for 24-hour heart testing.
“The proceeds are specifically designated for cardiac services and because we were successful in meeting our goal we will be able to purchase all of these now,” she said.
McCann said she has had concerns with weather in the past, but this year went smoothly.
“Last year we were rained out after seven holes, and we’ve had to deal with chilly, damp conditions,” she said. “This year, with the weather cooperating, it truly was the best ever.”
McCann said one of the biggest hits at the event were two members of Mount Pleasant High School’s 2002 State Championship Class A golf team — Ryan Brehm and Kyle Mason.
“The people who came in were saying how wonderful Ryan and Kyle were,” she said. “They were just such a big hit and we received so many compliments. Those kids are going places.”
The outing also saw an appearance from some of Mount Pleasant’s own law enforcement.
Isabella County Sheriff Barry DeLau, Mount Pleasant Police Officer Chuck Morrison and Capt. Andy Theisen of Mount Pleasant Fire Department each participated in the fund-raiser as celebrity guests.
DeLau was a celebrity putter on the 13th hole.
“I thought it was a great time and it was a worthwhile cause,” he said. “It’s an outstanding way to get new equipment that is badly needed. Fund-raisers like this really give a boost to an organization.”
Eight items were auctioned off during a silent auction, including golf packages, CMU sports memorabilia and an autographed Jay Smith bobble head figurine, McCann said.
“We had a great selection,” she said. “We also gave away a lot of prizes donated by local businesses, including an overnight stay at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.”
McCann said the event is named after the zipper-like scar patients get from having cardiac surgery.
The Zipper Open is dedicated to the memory of Charles E. Anthony, who was a major organizer of the fund-raiser until his death in 1995. He was a local radio broadcaster at 94.5 WCEN-FM, which has since moved and become 94.5 The Moose, McCann said.
“He was simply a friend to Mount Pleasant,” she said. “He was a very well known, widely respected man and he started this program because golf is good exercise for people who have had cardiac surgery.”
McCann said more fund-raisers are in the works for the hospital.
A Summer Dance Party will take place Sept. 4 at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., and will feature rock and roll acts from the 1960’s.
A speaker is still waiting to be confirmed for the Speaker Series Nov. 5, she said. Last year’s speaker series hosted author/writer Mitch Albom.
For more details, call 772-6858.
