Golf tourney pumps $1.2m into hospital, boys' home

Nagra Plunkett
Hospitality Jamaica Writer

THE PORT Maria Hospital and the Swift-Purcell Boys' Home in St. Mary were the beneficiaries of more than $1.2 million raised through the efforts of the Couples Ocho Rios Charity Golf Tournament.

Alex Ghisays, group public relations manager of Couples Resorts, said that instead of giving money directly to the two organisations, the facilities have been asked to identify projects that the hotel should fund.

She said she was aware of the absence of vital medical equipment such as an X-ray machine at the hospital.

MILLIONS FOR HEALTH

In addition, the resort also presented a container of US$200,000 (approximately J$12 million) worth of medical equipment and supplies to the hospital last week. The supplies were donated by the Rotary Club of Lake Wales and Clowers and shipped courtesy of Florida-based Saks & Clowers.

The golf tournament, which is in its fourth year, was the highlight of the hotel's 27th anniversary celebrations from January 20-24.

Founded four years ago by multi-returning guests, Gene and Jane Saks and Alan and Josie Kline, the two couples were instrumental in getting the hotel's management and their friends, to support a number of the hotel's charities by way of the event. When St. Mary Custos 'Bobby' Pottinger brought the plight of
the Port Maria Hospital to the attention of resort, they were more than willing to assist.

The event, which attracted 56 golfers, 40 of whom were locals, was held at the Sandals Golf & Country Club two weeks ago. The winners of the Open Division were Jamaicans Andrew Grant and Anthony Stewart, while the Mixed Division section was copped by returning guests Jeff and Wendy Locke.