For The Tribune
Whether you’ve played in the Dr. “Bud” Charity Golf Tournament for 33 years like John Olson or six years like Bruce Wynn, you are helping the nursing profession in Jackson and surrounding counties.
“It’s a tremendous cause for our community,” Wynn said before teeing off Wednesday afternoon at Shadowood Golf Course.
“It helps individuals in the nursing profession be able to complete their degree and locate back here in Jackson County. (Shadowood) is a great facility. They’ve done a lot of upgrades. I try to play in three or four different outings (each year).”
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Warren Forgey, president and CEO of Schneck Medical Center, said the outing generated 24 nursing scholarships worth $29,000 that were awarded this year.
He said the scholarships are all for nurses, in Jackson, Jennings, Scott and Washington counties. Over the years, $430,000 in scholarships has been awarded.
The 35th annual event is named after Dr. H.P. Graessle, who was a practicing physician and surgeon in Seymour for 53 years, retiring in 1971.
“I’ve played in it almost every year, and I’ve been here 33 years,” Olson said. “It’s always been a great event, one of the best in Jackson County.
“I like the fellowship as much as anything. I never got to meet Dr. Bud, but I know the rest of the family, and we know what a great fundraiser it is for the nurses, male and female. This is only my fourth 18-hole round this year. Things have been busy down at Hickory (Hills),” where he is golf pro.
Olson said a member of his foursome for the past several years has been Jerri Smith, with the Seymour Chamber of Commerce.
“Jerri has found a team for us to play with, and it’s been an awful lot of fun,” Olson said. “The big tournaments now in the modern age seem to be the benefits, and golf is a great venue for that. We get to see a lot of people here that I don’t get to see a lot.”
For Wynn, past outings have significantly helped his family.
“My daughter, Elizabeth (Wynn) Tape is a registered nurse and has been a recipient of one of these scholarships,” he said. “It helped her get through school, and she is employed through Schneck now. It was really helpful to help her accomplish her goal. We’ll be a lifelong supporter of it.”
A total of 11 foursomes played during the morning, and 28 groups played in the afternoon.
Eddie Reynolds played with a group from Aisin as part of that company’s community involvement program.
“I try to play four or five times a year,” Reynolds said. “This is definitely a nice course. Throughout the years they’ve made it better. With this venue you get to see a lot of people you don’t see on a regular basis. It’s enjoyable to see this type of crowd out here for this fundraiser.”