Baystate Children’s Hospital Gears Up for Annual Golf Tournament May 18

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Children’s Hospital’s 24th annual golf tournament is set to tee off on Monday, May 18 at Longmeadow Country Club in Longmeadow and the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick.

Proceeds from the 2013 and 2014 tournaments completely funded a recent $275,000 renovation of the Baystate Children’s Hospital Play Deck, a whimsical space dedicated to play and respite from illness for kids receiving care. The room features spaces dedicated to a number of different themes, including art and art therapy, reading, electronics and gaming, and an area for toddlers. Money raised this year will support medical technology advances, research, and patient comfort amenities.

“The new Play Deck is a wonderful example of how a single event — a day of golf — can change the lives of kids in our region for years to come,” said Jane Albert, executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation. “Past tournaments have been incredibly successful. This year we’ve set an even more ambitious goal of $200,000.”

Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Ranch Golf Club and Longmeadow Country Club. The bramble-style tournament will feature on-course hospitality from Lattitude Restaurant in West Springfield and Williams Distributing Corp. in Chicopee. There will also be contests for longest drive, closest to the pin, and hitting the green.

Following a day of golf, tournament guests will be treated to a dinner spread created by Chef Jeffrey Daigneau of Lattitude Restaurant. “This is our fourth year taking part in the tournament, and it’s truly an honor to know that we’re helping children in need, right here in our community,” he said.

Health New England will serve as the tournament’s presenting sponsor. Golfers will have the opportunity to win a luxury golf trip to the Lexus Champions for Charity Golf Tournament at Pebble Beach, courtesy of major supporter Balise Lexus.

“The money raised by this golf tournament is so vital to the Children’s Hospital. Partnering with Lexus Champions for Charity, we at Balise Lexus encourage all children to realize their full potential and pursue their dreams,” said Tim Cardillo, general manager at Balise Lexus. “Baystate Children’s Hospital gives children back the ability to pursue their dreams one miracle at a time. We are pleased to support such a worthy cause.”

To register for this year’s tournament, e-mail jenna.gleason@bhs.org. For sponsorship information, contact the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Office at (413) 794-1486 or cmn@baystatehealth.org. In addition to golfing sponsorships, tickets to the evening program are available for purchase.