“Toyota has sponsored this event year after year, as the money raised goes straight back into the community and supports both Logan Health’s A.L.E.R.T. program and first responders throughout the Flathead Valley,” explains Mark Oehrtman, General Manager of Kalispell Toyota. “The grants issued help quick response units purchase the protective and lifesaving equipment they need to effectively do their jobs, that otherwise might not be in the budget. The goal for this tournament is to raise money for the endowment fund that will provide support our communities’ EMS teams for years to come. As the endowment grows, the level of financial support we can provide to our quick response units will continue to increase. And, the fact that we’re golfing to raise money doesn’t hurt.”
The funds raised will be directed towards supporting the invaluable efforts of the Flathead Valley EMS teams, who play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. The annual tournament is a heartfelt tribute to Betty Woods, a former Logan Health Medical Center employee and a cherished member of our community whose memory continues to inspire. Participants and volunteers alike joined forces with a shared commitment to honor her legacy and make a positive impact on the lives of those around us.
“Mom’s deep compassion for people drove her to the profession of nursing,” explains Barb Davis, Betty’s daughter. “This calling was a passion that stretched beyond the bedside, so she became a flight nurse with A.L.E.R.T. She loved the complexity of the work, her coworkers in the ER and on the flight team, and her coworkers in the field—the EMTs, firefighters, paramedics, other first responders. The Flathead Valley is a unique community in many ways—being both rural and urban, it requires a coordinated teamwork approach to meet the emergency medical needs of its residents. This endowment is our mother’s legacy of her compassion. It is also a reminder of the importance of this multilevel teamwork that strives to keep the residents of the Flathead safe.”
The day was filled with friendly competition and a sense of unity that transcended the fairways. Participants enjoyed a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf while knowing that their involvement was contributing to a vital cause. The community’s response serves as a testament to the collective commitment to making a difference.
This year, the following grants were awarded in Betty’s honor:
- $3,350 to Lakeside QRU, Inc. for extra radios to stay connected along with staging for additional personnel with a radio thus delaying patient care.
- $3,500 to Kalispell Fire Department for two Uescope video laryngoscopes.
- $500 to Bad Rock Vol Fire and QRU for 3 mega-movers and 3 transport chairs to assist in safe patient transfers and transports.
- $1,500 to Marion Fire District for a Traverse Rescue Stretcher to be used in off-road, back country patient rescues.
- $3,200 to Evergreen Fire Rescue for 4 Bulletproof vests for our front-line staff.
- $2,000 to Three Rivers EMS for creating kits for Stop The Bleed—including 30 tourniquets blood and 3 updated blood pressure monitors.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved in this year’s A.L.E.R.T./Betty Woods Memorial Golf Tournament,” says Joe McClafferty, president of Logan Health Foundation. “The success of this event showcases the true spirit of community and the power of collaboration. We’re so grateful to be able to support our community first responders—the people who run towards those in need and put their own safety at risk to protect the lives of others.”
