A longtime Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation golf tournament has raised nearly $280,000 to support a new hospice facility expected to begin caring for patients later this year.

The NGHS Foundation’s Medical Center Open was held October 1 at Chicopee Woods Golf Course, bringing together 72 golfers and 80 sponsors.

The tournament was presented by Bank of America and has raised money for programs, initiatives and organizations throughout Northeast Georgia for the past three decades.

Supporting a New Hospice House

This year’s proceeds will support the new Chuck and Diane Stephens Hospice House, a 16-bed facility scheduled to begin seeing patients in December.

The Hospice House will provide around-the-clock care for patients in a peaceful environment outside of the hospital setting. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life while providing medical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones.

The new facility also marks a first for Northeast Georgia Health System as its first construction project funded entirely through philanthropy.

A Gift That Helped Make It Possible

The Hospice House is named for Chuck and Diane Stephens, whose gift of more than $5 million helped launch the project.

Diane Stephens has also served on the NGHS Auxiliary Board and is an active volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton.

Natalie McNeal, director of Hospice of NGMC, said the new space was specifically designed to provide peace for patients and their families while receiving hospice care.

The winning team at this year’s Medical Center Open included Mark Bombulie, Michael Kallab, Becky Neff and Michael Tolbert.

The new Chuck and Diane Stephens Hospice House is expected to begin welcoming patients in December.