Golf Classic Raises Funds for Hurst Hospitality House

WINCHESTER, VA- The Winchester Medical Center held it's 25th Annual Benefit Golf Classic Friday to celebrate countless donors who've given to the Winchester Medical Center Foundation.

"This year, we will probably raise over $3 million throughout the Valley Health System," says Kevin Callanan, the Executive Director of the Winchester Medical Center Foundation.

The Hurst Hospitality House at the Winchester Medical Center will receive the proceeds from the tournament. It takes in families that live more than 40 miles away and whose loved ones are fighting serious conditions in the hospital.

Patsy High's husband has been in the ICU for nearly a month. "The people are so nice to you," High says. "You're tired. You're worn out at the end of the day and you've got some place to come home to," she adds.

Julia Jones' husband is sick as well.

"I've stayed here two days now and it looks like I might have to stay here another seven to eight days," says Jones. "He's having open heart surgery right now," she adds.

While a long stay in the hospital can be stressful for families, they say the Hurst Hospitality House is like a home away from home.

"The people are real nice to you here," says High. "They make sure you have towels and wash rags. You take showers here. They give you supplies, you know, if you're not prepared for this to happen," she explains.

The Hurst House is funded by the Winchester Medical Center Foundation. For the 25th year, the golf classic is helping raise money for it.

"I think we'll raise over $100,000 this year for Hurst House," Callanan says. 

"We have wonderful volunteers, a great partnership between the foundation and the Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary that support that house," says Al Pilong, President of the Winchester Medical Center. "They make a difference in a lot of folks lives," he adds.

They're having a little fun out on the green so families can come in to a little comfort.