The Community Medical Center Foundation hosted the 14th annual Golf “Fore” Good Health event at the Falls City Golf Course on Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29. The event featured a meet-and-greet dinner on Thursday night and a 4-person, 18-hole scramble on Friday. The event also featured a silent auction with items ranging from homemade cinnamon rolls to concert tickets, gift certificates, and more.
The proceeds from this year’s event will be used for the Community Kids Center. A year ago, the hospital, acknowledging the area’s need for a daycare center, took over operation of the center that had previously been operated by Sacred Heart. The center welcomes youngsters ranging from six weeks to 12 years old and currently serves 43 kids.
CEO of Community Medical Center, Ryan Larsen, asserted that, “This is not a money-making venture; subsidies are required. Knowing that safe, affordable day care is critical to families, however, we are committed to maintaining this service and even hope to grow it.”
Trent Scheitel gave a brief welcome, stressing to those in attendance the importance of childcare in the community. “In small towns like ours, these kinds of resources can make or break whether a young family chooses to stay in town or leave,” said Scheitel. “So, when we invest in childcare, we are investing in workforce, growth and the long-term strength of our community.”
Hullman’s Ford was also recognized for their long-term sponsorship of the golf tournament.
Six Husker legends made the trip to Falls City this year, along with special guest and former Denver Bronco star Rick Upchurch.
The group included long-time attendees Clester Johnson, Tommie Frazier, Mike Rozier and Johnny Rodgers. Two legends making their first appearance were Tony Veland and Dwayne Harris.
They all come to support Coach Reed, but more importantly, the Community Medical Center.
“When he asked me to come and be part of this, I said, absolutely. No ifs, ands or buts about it,” said Rick Upchurch. He touched on his battle with cancer and the golf tournament he runs in Colorado to raise money to help families dealing with the costs of fighting cancer. He discussed efforts to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with fighting the disease.
“What is your purpose? God said we all have a purpose, find out what your purpose is,” said the three-time NFL All-Pro. “We can talk about rushing records, we can talk about championships, we can talk about all that stuff. But when we’re talking about the rural areas of the United States of America, we must step up and help.”
Rodgers said loyalty brings him back each year.
“We’re in the same business,” said Rodgers. “We got help from a lot of different people coming up, so we help.”
He also stressed the need for help. “We believe in teamwork. Anything you can do by yourself just ain’t big enough. Teamwork makes your dreams work, and I’m just part of the team.”
The golf event on Friday featured 20 teams. The Championship Flight was won by TW Cattle Co. with a 58. Team members included Tom Witt, Don Ferguson, Brian Daake and Carter Montgomery.
The A Flight was won by the Rod Rowland team with a 65. Team members included Rowland, Chick James, Galen Harmon and Andrew Rothe.
The B Flight was won by F&M Bank with a 71. Team members were Derrick Leyden, Darin Davis, Adam Morris and Jared Robesen.
The two-day event raised approximately $14,000 net for the Community Kids Center Daycare.
“These wonderful funds, so generously donated, aren’t just about helping right now,” said CEO Ryan Larsen. “They’re part of a bigger vision—a long-term commitment to expanding affordable childcare and supporting families and our community for years to come. It won’t happen overnight, but this is a powerful and meaningful start.”
The CMC Foundation began in 2012 to build a “new foundation” of financial support for the hospital. The Foundation has supported the purchase of an MRI machine, the expansion and renovation of the facility, brain injury diagnosis and therapy, behavioral health services, cancer care and wellness, heart health and rehabilitation, and women’s health and exams.
CMC Marketing/Events/Foundation Coordinator Linda Santo added, “First, I’d like to thank Coach William Reed for serving as an ambassador for CMC and helping bring the celebrity group to our event. What an amazing group. They sincerely love Coach Reed and Falls City. None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of the CMC Foundation Golf Committee. Our members are Cindy Witt, Tracy Burns, Lisa Schawang, Libby Leafty, Randee Tisdel, Debbie Gruber, Sadie Tisdel and Evie Rue. They put in countless hours to make this event a success.”
