NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 18, 2025
Sacred Heart Foundation raises nearly $200K for advanced tool for digestive tract examinations
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Sacred Heart Foundation’s 23rd Annual Charity Golf Classic at Burnt Pine Golf Club in Sandestin raised $181,049.59. The funds will go towards purchasing a new GI endoscopic ultrasound machine for Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure examines the inside of your digestive tract. It can detect pancreatic cancer, liver, colon cancer, as well as cancer that's spread to other parts of your body. EUS can also detect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis and other causes of abdominal pain. These are performed by Dr. Snehal Desai, gastroenterologist, as an outpatient procedure at Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.
32 teams played in the tournament with a total of 128 players. Teams enjoyed breakfast and lunch provided by the Burnt Pine chef and also were provided beverages and on-course offerings throughout the day. Players returned for the live auction and opportunity drawing culminating in the awards ceremony where James Clark, Tim Taylor, Joe Nacorato and Mark Allen won first place.
The event was supported by our presenting sponsors; Grand Boulevard, Howard Group and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Special thanks to the Committee members Jon Vice, Joe Capers, Mary Pat Cedarleaf, Ronnie Stanley, David Worton, and Bonnie Worton. The 2026 tournament will be held Friday, November 6 at Burnt Pine Golf Club. Contact Lisa Wainwright at lisa.wainwright@ascension.org or 850-278-3702 for more information regarding sponsorship and participation.
Since 2002, the Charity Golf Classic has raised more than $3 million for various expansion efforts at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast including: the Women’s Diagnostic Center, the Family Birth Place, the Judy & Steve Turner Heart and Vascular Center, Cancer Center, the Emergency Department and the Comprehensive Spine Program.
About Ascension Sacred Heart
Ascension Sacred Heart, based in Pensacola, Florida, operates five hospitals and more than 100 other sites of care and employs more than 6,440 associates. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension Sacred Heart provided more than $193 million in community benefit and other care for vulnerable persons. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.
MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Kretzer, External Communications Manager 850-832-0406
heather.kretzer@ascension.org
