200 golfers tee off at annual St. Mary's Heritage Open - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

200 golfers tee off at annual St. Mary's Heritage Open

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EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -

The St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation hosted their 32nd annual Heritage Open Golf Scramble on Monday at The Evansville Country Club where 200 golfers gather to tee off.

The event alone, in it's 32 years of existence, has raised $3.4 million for children in the tri-state.

"It's events like this and the generosity of the community that help us pay for these services, such important services that these children need," said Rick Peltier, the director of development with St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation.

All proceeds go to help underserved kids receive healthcare.

This year, there's a special emphasis on the St. Mary's Mobile Dental Care Clinic, which serves 3,000 kids each year.

"We go to the schools in the parking lot, get the kids from the classroom in the bus, into the mobile clinic in the parking lot and give them the dental hygiene they need. For some kids and most kids, that's the only dental care they get all year and some the only dental care they receive their whole lives," Peltier said.

Chairman of the event, Mike Head, says the Open has continued to grow over the years.

"It has gotten larger each year. We're getting a lot more community support through sponsorships because they see that the money they donate goes to good causes, helping children," Head said.

Organizers say there's always room for more golfers.

"We've got room for more. We'd be happy to add three or four more foursomes next year," Head said.

Planning for next year's Open starts right after Christmas.

If you're interested in signing up, contact the St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation.

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