Over $20,000 was raised in support of local children's healthcare at this year's TAMC Golf Classic held at Presque Isle Country Club. The annual scramble benefited Children's Miracle Network of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, an organization committed to saving and improving the lives of children in our area. Aroostook MRI was the tournament's major sponsor.

"The weather wasn't as perfect as we would have liked, but everything went smoothly and the golfers had a good time," said Dave Peterson, President/CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center. "Local support for Children's Miracle Network, the beneficiary of the tournament, has been outstanding. One of the reasons why people get excited about the tournament is because it supports area children. It's a great way to spend a Saturday."

Children's Miracle Network raises money for its 170 member hospitals across the country through retail balloon sales, radiothons and telethons, and events like the TAMC Golf Classic. To date, the organization has raised $2.7 billion for hospitals in the United States.

The Aroostook Medical Center, one of 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals around the country, benefits by receiving funding for equipment purchases. This year's golf tournament raised over $20,000, but The Aroostook Medical Center will get back four times as much money from Children's Miracle Network this year.

Proceeds from last year's tournament were used to partially fund a new infant security system at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital in Presque Isle. The system is an example of equipment that helps maintain a high level of care beyond what is made possible through the hospital's annual operating budget.

"It has always been our policy to keep our babies and children safe," said Kate Harris, Senior Manager of Women & Children's Health at The Aroostook Medical Center. "With the advent of new electronic technology, we feel it is important to provide this service. It is an electronic tracking system, and we are able to track and follow where our babies and children are at all times."

The system notifies staff if a child is taken to close to an exit. It was tailored for the specific needs of the hospital.

"Parents are always excited whenever we implement ways to keep their babies even safer. They are aware of what has happened around children and abductions around the United States."

Other equipment purchases and upgrades at the hospital made possible by Children's Miracle Network include a birthing tub, fetal monitoring system, and pediatric exam tables.

For the golfers, the tournament was an opportunity to spend a day out on the course while making a difference in the lives of area children.

"I had a great time," said Greg Hallett, a first-time participant in the tournament. "It was well-run, well-organized, everybody had a great attitude, and we had a lot of fun out on the course. You can't go wrong helping the kids."

The Aroostook Medical Center is a member of EMHS. Members of EMHS offer a wider range of services to the local community than they could provide if operating alone.