Ellis Hospital Skins Game

 The 16th annual Ellis Hospital Skins Game will be held at the Mohawk Golf Club in Niskayuna on Monday, June 16, 2008 and this year’s event is all about women.

For the first time in its history the Skins Game will headline two LPGA golfers, Laura Diaz and Morgan Pressel. Also fitting is the fact that all monies raised will benefit women’s health and the Bellevue Woman’s Care Center. The day will begin with a Public Clinic at 11:00 am as the pros share tips, routines and their expertise with spectators. Tee-time will follow at noon to kick off a fun filled day of golf.

Darlene Raynsford, Director of Development at Ellis Hospital, expresses that “Laura and Morgan will demonstrate how incredibly talented they are as professional golfers and will show that women can not only compete in golf but be exceptional athletes.” As more women become involved in the sport of golf soon follows some truly noteworthy stories of success. Darlene explains that “In Laura’s case, she is a dedicated athlete who trains very hard. She also has a child and “balances the act” which so many women today do each day in balancing family and career.” Morgan Pressel became the youngest-ever women’s major championship winner when she took the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship. Also, after joining the LPGA tour in 2006, Morgan accumulated more than $1 million dollars in earnings in just her second year. At this year’s Skins Game, joining the women will be veteran Blaine McCallister and to round out the foursome, the local PGA golf pro who wins the Players’ Classic on Sunday.

Last year when the opportunity presented itself to raise money for Bellevue Woman’s Care Center it seemed a natural fit to highlight women golfers playing for women’s health care. As Darlene explains, “In planning the Skins Game we always try to make it exciting and innovative for our fans each year.” This year the Skins Game truly reflects Ellis Hospital’s ongoing commitment to meet the health care needs of women and their families.

The game started as the “brain child” of Joe Daley of SEFCU Insuring Agency. Darlene credits the games success to “his motivation and dedication and the support of Blaine McCallister, Mike Daniels, co-chairs Nora Jaski and Dr. Steve Goodman, and the overall support from Neil Golub and Price Chopper Supermarkets. We also can’t forget the hundreds of individuals who volunteer their time each year to support this event.” It is evident that the Ellis Hospital Skins Game has become a visible and recognizable annual event that the community looks forward to each year.

For more information visit http://www.ellishospitalfoundation.org

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