Prince Frederick, MD (June 25, 2007) - The 18th annual Benefit Golf Classic hosted by the Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation netted over $73,000. The proceeds will go toward the creation of a healing garden at CMH. Since the tournament began in 1990, it has raised more than $644,000.

CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis said the healing garden is designed to provide a safe, calming and engaging environment for staff, patients and their families. It will be located in a small courtyard framed by the Calvert Medical Office Building and the new Outpatient Concourse.

"We're especially grateful to our corporate sponsor," said Xinis. "Marshall, Erdman & Associates has played a very big part in the success of this event. They have been a major sponsor since 1997."

"We'd also like to thank our breakfast sponsor Pat Petricko/Remax 100 (who also chaired the tournament)," he said, "Ricoh Americas Corp., our lunch sponsor and Bank of America, our dinner sponsor."

Additionally, he recognized Master Sponsors - TSI Wall Exterior Systems and Walgreens. "Vic Cornellier (of TSI) served as president of our hospital board of directors for several years," he said. "Earlier this summer, Walgreens took over the pharmacy in the Calvert Medical Office Building."

Some 44 sponsors including physician groups, hospital vendors and county businesses and individuals participated in this year's event. Xinis applauded Ryder sponsors - All American Ambulance, Dr. Joseph Fastow and Ober, Kaler, Grimes and Shriver, Attorneys at Law.

Other local sponsors included Calvert Internal Medicine Group, Calvert Physical Therapy, Capital Foods, Chesapeake Anesthesia, Chesapeake Medical, College of Southern Maryland, Collinson, Oliff & Associates, Community Bank of Tri-County, Curtis Showcase Homes, Dippel & Co., Freedom Office Products, Home PC Specialists, Wanda & Michael King, Image Marketing, Lasting Impressions, Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank, Prince George's Federal Savings Bank, Quality Built Homes, Show Place Arena and Dr. Nancy Ulanowicz.

Xinis expressed his appreciation to hole-in-one sponsors Bayside Chevrolet, Buick & Toyota, Dickinson Jewelers, Hill-Rom and Winegardner Chevrolet, Pontiac & GMC. He extended special thanks to Julie Cornellier, Steve Harrer and Karrie Wood who coordinated the putting contest.

He also praised the 2007 Golf Committee chaired by Petricko, who has served on the committee for 18 years and the auxiliary volunteers headed by Janet Allyn for their outstanding efforts in organizing the event. "All of this would not be possible without the commitment of these very dedicated individuals."

The picture perfect day drew 160 golfers to the Old South Country Club in Lothian. As always the competition was fierce. Taking first place in Division I was Ricoh Americas Corp. Mercantile Southern Maryland Bank capped the top slot in Division II and Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield outpaced all contenders in Division III.