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WORCESTER, Mass., May 15, 2006 — Close to 200 Worcester-area business
and philanthropic leaders joined Fallon Clinic physicians and other staff members for the
Eighth Annual Drive for a Difference Golf Classic this week at The International
golf club in Bolton, Mass. Hosted by Fallon Clinic Foundation, the charitable arm
of Fallon Clinic, the event raised nearly $200,000 to fund innovative programs benefiting
Worcester County communities , schools, local government and returning war veterans.
The top earning event of its kind in central Massachusetts, the Drive for a Difference
Golf Classic has raised $1 million in its eight-year history to support Fallon Clinic
Foundation’s Innovations for Health Living initiatives.
“The Drive for a Difference Golf Classic continues to be a tremendously successful
and enjoyable way for local organizations to support those initiatives that are
most important to their surrounding communities: strengthening local public schools,
bringing old neighborhoods back to life and increasing opportunities for war veterans
and those pursuing health-related careers,” said Dr. Stephen Pezzella, acting
president and CEO of Fallon Clinic Foundation and Fallon Clinic.
For nearly 20 years, Fallon Clinic Foundation has worked to address some of Worcester
County’s most pressing issues, providing health education services and support
groups to help consumers make informed decisions about their care, funding innovative
medical research projects and scholarships for those pursuing careers in medicine,
and offering grants that ensure vulnerable, low-income families receive the care
they need.
This past January, the Foundation announced significant expansion plans for its
programs and has conducted a series of highly successful customer service and organizational
development workshops for Worcester Public Schools and the City of Worcester administrators.
Future plans include the renovation of parks and lots in Worcester; donations of
supplies and time to the Worcester Public Schools; and programs in conjunction with
the U.S. Army to support veterans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts was the presenting sponsor of the event,
with Fallon Clinic serving as gold sponsor. Additional sponsors included banquet
sponsor TD Banknorth; silver sponsors Fallon Community Health Plan, McDermott, Will
& Emery and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; bronze sponsors were Fidelity Investments,
Marsh USA (which also served as Golf Cart Sponsor), PharmaCare, Quest Diagnostics
and Vasant Scribes; media sponsor was WTAG-AM; and lunch sponsor was Vignette.
The International is home to The Pines, the world’s longest golf course, according
to The Guinness Book of World Records, as well as The Oaks, recognized as
one of the top 10 best courses in Massachusetts by Golf Digest.
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