KIRE-Sponsored Tournament Makes a Healthy Contribution to Free Clinic’s Future

It had all the elements of an unforgettable day on the greens. The promise of scattered sun and just enough breeze, high-wattage names like Dan Marino, Bobby Cremins, Ken Burger, Kevin Higgins, Paul McGuire, and KIRE’s own sales executive, Jim Stuckey, in an inspiring setting on a beautiful barrier island golf course. Still, the organizers of the recent Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Kiawah Island Club’s River Course were “blown away” when sponsorships moved faster than a ball on a green that was contoured for bermuda then later planted with bentgrass.

Three weeks before the May 19 event, a host of supporting businesses had stepped up with Kiawah Island Real Estate (KIRE) leading the pack as Title Sponsor of the tournament. At that time, the list of sponsors included food and beverage companies such as Prestige Farms, Pepsi, and Sticky Fingers, as well as healthcare organizations like Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Others continued to sign on including national names like ESPN Radio and J.P. Morgan, and local businesses such as Baker Motor Company.

What made this particular tournament such a draw? Organizers believe it was the cause. Proceeds from the shotgun-start tournament were earmarked for one of the Lowcountry’s most-needed services, The Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Inc. Staffed by SC-licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurses who all volunteer their time, this fledgling organization is directed by its mission statement to “serve the health and wellness needs of medically underserved people who live or work on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands.” The original force behind the Free Clinic was a fortuitous collaboration between Dr. Arthur Booth, a surgeon, and Dr. Charlie Davis, a pediatric oncologist, who practiced near each other for years in Atlanta, but had never met until they both retired and moved to the Kiawah area. Grassroots efforts grew the idea for the clinic, and today, its Board of Directors includes high-caliber business and real estate executives, lawyers, a judge, a Catholic priest, and others with wide-ranging expertise.

The impetus from the recent fundraiser and support for the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic promises to continue for years. In addition to donating The River Course for the benefit tournament, cocktails, dinner, and awards ceremony, KIRE is among the Clinic’s strongest supporters, having pledged $25,000 per year for four years to help it meet its goals. The Clinic also welcomes corporate donations of goods and services that will support community-based efforts to care for the uninsured.

The Board of Directors continues to look for volunteers who are licensed and qualified to provide adults with high-quality primary and preventive medical care, both through appointments and on a walk-in basis. In the near future, they plan to add family health care; and over the long term, hope to help young people begin to make the kind of good decisions that will impact their health and prosperity for life.

For more information and specifics about volunteering and donations to the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, Inc., visit http://www.bifmc.com.