Raising Money for Nursing Scholarships

"Spirit of Caring" Golf Tournament "Fore" a Good Cause

Help raise money for nursing scholarships while golfing with friends. Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) is hosting the second annual "Spirit of Caring" golf tournament at Legend Oaks Golf Course in Summerville, Friday, May 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Registration is required as there is a 120-person limit on play. Check-in begins at noon with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Team awards, door prizes and refreshments are scheduled for 6 p.m. The tournament costs $80 per person, which includes golf, cart, box lunch and door prizes.  Prizes include rounds of golf, restaurant gift certificates and tickets to area sporting events. Registration forms must be received by May 20. Contact Linda Schofield to get a form at 402-1616, or by email at linda.schofield@rsfh.com.

"It's a modified captain's choice format, golfers of all levels can play and enjoy the day. Turnout last year was excellent and we expect the same this year. It's a great time for a very good cause," said Schofield, R.N., Service Line Director for Women’s, Infant’s and Children’s Services at RSFH.

Half of all money raised from the tournament goes to future nurses in the community in the form of scholarships to pay for schooling. The other half goes to current nurses looking to further their degrees. Schooling to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing can cost up to $40,000 dollars total.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone, including the community. For every year in tuition we provide, the nurses agree to work for Roper St. Francis," said P.J. Floyd, Interim Vice President of Nursing Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.

"Educating more nurses benefits the community all around and increases the quality of healthcare services we're able to provide for our patients."

Nurses must meet certain criteria to be given a scholarship making the awards extremely competitive.

"There is never enough money to go around to everyone. The scholarships are bestowed upon the best and brightest candidates, many of whom have 4.0 grade point averages. This money goes to high caliber students," adds Floyd.

Currently, 19 Roper St. Francis employees are receiving scholarship money to further their careers in nursing with five working on their master's degrees.

Through the scholarship program, Roper St. Francis has recruited nurses from a number of colleges and universities including Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Bob Jones University and Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

"These scholarships are so coveted, nurses call us to find out more," said Floyd.

For more information on the Spirit of Caring Golf Tournament, please contact Linda Schofield at 402-1616, or by email at linda.schofield@rsfh.com.