The 28th Annual Tin Cup Classic Golf Tournament, held on Monday, September 8, was a sold-out event, bringing a full course of generosity to the Stillwater Country Club. Eleven event sponsors, and 36 team sponsors, supported the scramble, making this event more than simply a day of golf — it was a powerful display of community spirit and shared commitment to building a larger and stronger Emergency Department for Stillwater Medical.
“This tournament reminds me why I love what we do,” said Joe Akin, Senior Director of Development and Community Outreach for the Stillwater Medical Foundation. “My favorite part is always the positive energy, the sense of community, and seeing everyone work together for a common cause. It was just fantastic.”
Proceeds from the Tin Cup will benefit two vital areas: the Emergency Department Expansion Project and the Still Strong Emergency Department Education Endowment, established by Lori and Vance Hunter. One of the tournament’s standout additions, the Happy Gilmore Challenge, directly supported the Still Strong Education Endowment.
Currently, the SMC Emergency Department has 33,000 annual visits, yet its maximum capacity is presently at 26,000. The impact of these funds will alleviate strain on the Emergency Department and help to better serve the Stillwater Community. Collaboratively, sponsors, teams and individuals raised over $130,000.
“Everyone came to play, to have fun, and to help build a bigger, better Emergency Department for their families, friends, and neighbors,” said Akin. “It’s been a long time since I’ve left a day-long event feeling so much happiness and positive energy.”
BancFirst was the tournament’s Title Sponsor, with InterWorks serving as Course Sponsor. Longtime supporter Flintco returned for the third consecutive year as Tee Gift Sponsor. Tommy’s Car Wash sponsored both the Skills Challenge and Scramble Sticks, while Forefront Healthcare made sure players were well-fed as the official Food Sponsor. Simmons Bank, Lucas Grounds State Farm Insurance, Janzen Toyota, Wilson Auto Family, Nabholz Construction, and MWConstruction were the other organizations supporting the fundraiser as event sponsors.
“The crew at the Stillwater Country Club was amazing,” said Akin. “They were on top of things from beginning to end. And I can’t say enough about our staff, volunteers, the Forefront chefs and support team, and all the players who made this day so special.”
As Stillwater Medical moves forward with its Emergency Department expansion, events like the Tin Cup continue to highlight just how much the community joins together to work towards high-quality, local healthcare.
“This wasn’t just a golf tournament,” said Akin. “It was our community showing up to say, ‘We believe in this. We believe in each other.’ And that’s what makes it all worth it.”
To support the Emergency Department Expansion Project, please visit smc-foundation.org/give/donate-now. To view more pictures, please visit https://smc-foundation.org/events/golf-tournament/.”
