Chateau Elan residents have been dedicated supporters of the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation since its inception. One significant way they contribute is by volunteering and participating in the annual golf fundraiser. This year, the event was held on May 14th, where golfers braved the rain and chill at The Legends golf course. Their efforts raised over $300,000 to benefit the expansion of the Emergency Department at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton.

Formerly known as the Laurel Classic, the tournament has been renamed the Cheryl Shippey Memorial Golf Tournament to honor the late Cheryl Shippey. Cheryl, a long-time employee of the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Foundation, passed away unexpectedly in March 2023. She was well-known in the Braselton community for her work on NGMC Braselton’s Inaugural Campaign and played a crucial role in creating the Laurel Classic golf tournament.

“After Cheryl’s passing, the community wanted a way to honor her dedication and passion to NGHS,” said Chris Bray, president and Chief Philanthropy Officer of the NGHS Foundation. “Through the renaming of this tournament, her legacy is able to live on and she is able to continue making a difference in the community she loved.”

The expansion, set to finish in 2026, will double the size of NGMC Braselton's Emergency Department, which has far outgrown its original capacity. Built in 2015 to handle 25,000 visits yearly, the existing department now sees over 50,000 patients each year.

"Expanding our Emergency Department capacity is crucial to fulfilling our mission of providing outstanding care for northeast Georgians when they need it most," said Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. "We're deeply grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers, and participants who made this fundraising event possible through their generous support. 

Committee members included numerous Chateau Elan residents such as Chair Kathy Fauscett, Audra Edwards, Brian and Chauntelle Steines, Kerri Athanas, Russell Smith, Tony Funari, Hardy Johnson, Leigh Ann Paugh, Angela Williams, and Lee and Susie Bryan. Additionally, each year many residents volunteer and participate to support the Foundation in many ways including the golf tournament.

The event drew 116 golfers who competed for the top spot, which was claimed by the winning team of Rush Berry, Matt Pruitt, David Wehunt and Jeff Wessels (who is a Chateau Elan resident). 

“We are so thankful to those who came out and showed support, despite the rain,” said Kathy Fauscett, resident and chairwoman of the golf committee. “This event, which honors Cheryl and her philanthropic spirit, is a true testament to our community’s unwavering support for our local hospital. This generosity makes a positive impact on the future of healthcare in our community.”

To donate or learn more about the NGHS Foundation, its events and other ways to support, visit www.nghs.com/foundation.

Founded in 1986, the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to health system improvements, complementary programs and partner organizations throughout the region. In an effort to further the mission of improving the health of the community in all that we do, donations to the Foundation help support innovation and enhancements at all four of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s community hospitals, as well as many health initiatives of the system. It is truly through the generosity of friends and neighbors that many critical, life-saving projects, improvements and patient care services are available today. For more information, visit nghs.com/foundation.