The unavoidable truth is that medical care is often costly. However, maintaining health is important not only for individuals, but for the community as a whole. Recognizing this challenge, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation was created in 1995 as a philanthropic offshoot of Cape Fear Valley Health. Since its inception, the funds raised by CFVHF have been used to support programs and services that Cape Fear Valley Health provides for the community.

One of the reasons that the Foundation is so valuable is that 100 percent of donations are used to make real, concrete improvements in available healthcare. In the past CFVHF has used funds to provide equipment to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, emergency financial needs for cancer patients and new EKG equipment on EMS vehicles. Cape Fear Valley Health continues to grow, and as such, the foundation tries to keep pace by making sure that the larger facilities still provide quality healthcare for the community. Budgets are limited, but thanks to CFVHF the communities’ health comes first. 

In order to fund expanded programming, this year the Foundation will host the 21st annual Friends of Children Golf and Tennis Classic. The proceeds of this fundraiser will go to supporting children hospitalized at Cape Fear Valley Health. Specifically, they will provide the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with two new Giraffe Bed Care stations. This equipment creates a womb like environment that significantly increases chances for survival for the more than 600 pre-term infants that the NICU staff cares for every year. The beds provide stable temperatures, protection and safe mobility for access to immediate care.

Both the tennis and the golf tournaments take place on Oct. 6 at Highland Country Club. The golf tournament is presented by Rick Hendrick Toyota, and Lafayette Lincoln is presenting the tennis tournament. Golf sponsorships range from $500 for a player sponsor, which features one dinner ticket and one golfer spot, to the $25,000 community sponsor which includes 12 golfer tickets, 12 dinner tickets, a VIP dinner, event promotions and event recognition. Golfers also receive a premium player gift package, lunch, beverages and access to the beer and wine tasting. The gift package includes a golf shirt and a $100 certificate at the Highland Country Club Pro Shop. 

Sponsorship levels for the tennis tournament begin at $250 with the ball sponsor that includes one player entry, a name on the banner and two wine/beer tastings and dinner tickets. Otherwise it is $60 per player. Alternatively, tickets for just the wine and beer tasting and dinner can be purchased for $50. To register, visit www.capefearvalley.com/golf/. 

In a fun twist on the game, tennis players will compete in tennis poker. For every game that is won the player will randomly choose a card from a deck. Each card corresponds to a specific number of points. At the end of the day the player with the most points is the winner!

There will also be a raffle. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100. Purchasing $100 or more in tickets will also include two admissions to the beer and wine tasting dinner. The prizes for the raffle are a choice between five fantastic trips for four. The options include the Master’s Tournament, Sonoma Wine Country, any college sports game, a golf trip to Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla., or a tennis trip to the U.S. Open in New York. For more information, visit www.cfvfoundation.org.