Golfers with the winning trophy at Western Baptist Hospital Foundation Inc.’s first-ever golf tournament earned overall honors, but the foundation itself was the real winner, said Laurie Latham, director of Western Baptist’s business and fund development.

The foundation raised nearly $50,000 when more than 150 golfers took a swing at the charity event. The Medical Accounts Receivable Systems team of Drs. Mark Rusten and James Zellmer, Brad Guess and Jason Stilley carried home the traveling trophy, earning the best score among 38 teams.

“We’re so pleased with the results,” said Latham. “The community support shown to Western Baptist was phenomenal, and the money raised will aid the hospital’s efforts to continue its healing mission of care.”

Donations of more than $6.5 million in seven years have been used to purchase medical equipment, enhance hospital facilities and expand patient services. Patrick Withrow, M.D., vice president/Chief Medical Officer at Western Baptist, said investing in the hospital’s future is imperative.

“As technology continues to expand, we must stay on the forefront to offer our patients and the community the latest in medical advances,” said Dr. Withrow. “Investing in the hospital’s foundation is investing in the health of the community.”

Dr. Withrow was among many Western Baptist physicians who “chipped in” for the hospital’s good.

Tournament winners include Putter Hahn, who won a Wii Fit gaming system after his golf ball landed closest to the hole in a ceremonial ball drop by helicopter pilot and physician Blane Grow, M.D.

Morning winners include Linwood Paducah-Metropolis, first place; James Marine Inc., second place; Mercy Regional Emergency Medical Services, third place; Brent Gaines, closest to the pin; and Kevin Baer, longest drive.

Afternoon winners include Medical Accounts Receivable Systems, first place; PHI Air Medical, second place; Money Matters, third place; Tom Clayton, closest to the pin; and Matt Innan, longest drive.

PHI Air Medical of Kentucky was the event’s signature sponsor. Others include:

Gold sponsors— Linwood Paducah-Metropolis; Morrison Management Specialists; Ray Black & Son Inc.; Western Baptist Hospital’s Auxiliary; and WPSD Local 6.

Silver sponsors—News/Talk 94.3 WKYX; Credit Bureau Systems Inc.; Dressman Benzinger LaVelle; Hill-Rom; James Marine Inc.; Medical Accounts Receivable Systems; Paducah Power System; U.S. Foodservice; Central Baptist Hospital; Covidien; Healthcare Strategy Group; Hultman; Nissan of Paducah; Paducah Bank; US Bank.

Hole sponsors—Apex Engineering Inc.; Four Rivers Business Journal; Paducah GI Assoc./Dr. John Kraus; Paducah Sheet Metal Inc.; Bradley & Freed PSC; Loyd Slinkard Painting Co. Inc.; Pepsi MidAmerica; Petter Business Systems.

Blane Grow, M.D., piloted his helicopter for the ceremonial ball drop; Crown Electric and BaptistWorx donated prizes; and Tracy Phillips, R.N. at Western Baptist Hospital, provided photography.

The first tournament was so successful that the foundation has set next year’s date:  Sept. 30, 2009.

For sponsorship information or to learn more about the Western Baptist Hospital Foundation Inc., visit www.westernbaptist.com or phone (270) 575-2871.