Despite temperature readings approaching triple digits, the Delta Memorial Hospital Foundation's third annual Hope Fore Life Golf Classic, held last Monday at The Golf Club at Roddy Ranch, turned out 81 die-hard golfers and about the same number of dedicated volunteers. The foundation supports Sutter Delta Medical Center and its mission is to "improve the quality of health in Eastern Contra Costa County." According to preliminary estimates, the tournament benefited Medical Center cardiac diagnosis and rehabilitation services to the tune of $100,000.

Organized by Beyond Golf of Concord, the tournament was declared an unqualified success by Hospital Foundation president Walaine Hankins. "We are so grateful to the sponsors and golfers who came out to support our hospital's cardiac care services," Hankins said. "As the only hospital in a 20-mile radius, cardiac unit development is vital to the 250,000 residents who depend on us for care."

The event's Title Sponsor was Discovery Homes; the Gold Sponsor was McDonald, Deloso and Wang - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Silver Sponsors included BAC, Blackhawk-Nunn Partners, Brockman Engineering, Swisher Cement Contractor and builders Brookfield, Homes, Pulte Homes, Suncrest Homes, Shapell Homes, Shea Homes and Trilogy at The Vineyards.

Rudeen Monte, Foundation Executive Director, shared some positive comments about the tournament. One golfer told the foundation: "Having attended many golfing events, this was by far one of the nicest. The layout of the on-course vendors was well thought out and the focus and attention to the golfers made them feel special." Another said, "This was the classiest golf tournament I've ever been to." Other participants were impressed by the quality of auction prizes, the food or special flambe dessert, and the pleasant, friendly attitude exhibited by golf course employees, tournament organizers, vendors and volunteers.

The winning score of 57 was remarkable, even by best-ball standards. A three-way tie was settled and Northwind Energy's foursome of Tim Dillon, Bo Garcia, Dennis Jerge and Dave Lord, all firefighters, took first place. Second went to Brockman Engineering and third was taken by the McDonald, Delose and Wang oral surgery practice. Long Drive went to Dennis Jerge, the Putting Contest was won by Bob Brockman, and Rob Morrow got Closest to the Pin. The Medical Center CEO's foursome consisted of CEO Gary Rapaport, Dr. Sanjay Ray, attorney Chris Becnel and Lions Club treasurer Rod Alvernaz.

According to LAFCO's David Piepho, also a Hospital Foundation board member, "(People said) this was one of the best tournaments ... ever. Great job by everyone, and we were glad to be a part of it. I certainly saw a lot of smiles all day."