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| Pictured in 1998 are, clockwise, L.D. Riegle, sons Mark, Tom and Tim |
The family will hold the annual golf outing for the 15th year on Saturday, July 13th at the White Springs Golf Course near Greenville. State of the Heart has cared for patients in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness for more than 30 years.
“The Riegle family and friends who play in this tournament value what was done for our father,” explained Mark Riegle, tournament director. Mark, along with brothers Tim and Tom, and their sister Debbie and their families coordinate the event. Proceeds from the outing and an auction held at the close of the tournament go to patient care support, assuring that all patients receive hospice care, regardless of ability to pay. The auction occurs around 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
This year, Riegle emphasized, “We are hoping to match last year’s total of $7,838 which was the highest amount ever raised at the tournament. In 14 years, the golf outing has raised $68,162, the highest amount ever raised by a volunteer fund raising group for State of the Heart. Riegle said he anticipates this year’s amount raised to bring the total to approximately $75,000.
Riegle said he is hoping that the auction, which usually brings in 40 to 45 percent of the proceeds, will be “one of the best we have done. It is open to the general public. We are looking for auction items that will help us reach a goal of more than $7, 000,” he said. Typically, sports items are auctioned off at the auction. “We have had tickets for various sporting events such as a Dragons game, or items from Ohio State or other teams,” he said.
He pointed out that auction items need not be sports related. “We have had quilts donated for auction and unusual floral arrangements. If someone has an item they think might make a good auction item, they should get in touch with me. Gift certificates also make good auction items. The more auction items we have, the more we raise for State of the Heart,” he added.
Riegle said the family has maintained its commitment to organizing the golf outing “as a way for our family to pay back hospice for the great care our father received. We want to do our share to make sure this wonderful care is there for others, just as it was for our father.”
He added, “Those of us who organize and play in the tournament all have the same values. It is wonderful to come together and do something which benefits State of the Heart at the same time enjoy a day with family and friends who have a common bond and commitment. There are many who participate who have been touched by hospice care.”
As in the past 14 years, there will be 18 teams representing 72 people who will tee off at 1 p.m. The same teams have played consistently over the years. Each member of the Riegle family, including spouses, takes on a task. Mark, of Ft. Recovery, handles hole sponsors and organizes teams; brother Tom from Arcanum, is in charge of food and drinks, and brother Tim, who lives in New Jersey, does all of the signage. The family pays for the costs of food and drinks for the players.
For more information about the outing or to donate an item for the auction, contact Mark Riegle at 937-459-6831 or at rieglma@whirlpool.com . For more information about State of the Heart, visit the web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.