Recently, the MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Foundation hosted its 11th annual Champion’s Club Classic golf tournament at the Virginia Country Club where more than 100 community members and donors raised $183,000 for the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village.
The Children’s Village is the only building of its kind in Los Angeles and Orange Counties to offer a one-stop-shop approach to specialty care for kids. In one kid-friendly location, families have access to pediatric doctors in more than 30 specialties, as well as a range of health care and family support services.
“The Children’s Village is such a valuable resource for families in the region,” says Graham Tse, M.D., chief medical officer, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Seeing the community come together to benefit and support our village is uplifting and crucial to continuing the work we do.”
The funds were raised in multiple ways including sponsorships, flat donations and sports-themed auctions. A silent auction was held where participants were given a chance to take home sports-themed art made by Miller Children’s & Women’s patients. Art therapists worked with the hospitalized kids to personalize their art for the event. Additional items available during the live auction included sports memorabilia and an opportunity to win golfing lessons from professional athletes. The children’s art raised $3,000 alone while the live auction bidding set a fundraising record of $40,000.
Since 2010, the event has benefited the patients and families at Miller Children’s & Women’s.
Co-presenting sponsors Walter’s Wholesale Electric Company and Corridor Recycling, along with dozens of other sponsors helped make this year’s event come to life.
At one point during the tournament it began to rain on the golfers. However, this didn’t stop them from playing and staying positive.
“Not even rain or thunder could stop these great community leaders from golfing and giving support to the Children’s Village,” says Robert Gunsalus, Miller Children’s & Women’s Foundation President. “I was blown away by their enthusiasm and generosity and by the good work of the MemorialCare team, supporters and event partners.”