The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation (EMHCF) proudly hosted another successful annual Golf Classic on May 18, 2026, at Danville Country Club, raising over $80,000 to support health care initiatives and patient programs throughout the communities served by Ephraim McDowell Health. This year’s event brought together 39 teams and 156 players for a day of friendly competition, community fellowship, and philanthropy.
“Our community continues to show extraordinary support for the mission of the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation,” said Dan McKay, President and CEO of Ephraim McDowell Health. “The success of this year’s Golf Classic demonstrates what can happen when businesses, physicians, and community members come together to invest in the health and well-being of our region. We are incredibly grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, and participant who helped make this event such a success.”
Dr. Justin Kolasa, Vice Chair of the ENHCF Board, emphasized the importance of the event’s impact on local patients and programs. “This event is about much more than golf,” said Dr. Justin Kolasa. “The generosity shown through this tournament directly supports patient care, community health programs, and initiatives that improve lives throughout central Kentucky. We are deeply thankful for the continued partnership and commitment from our sponsors and players.”
Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator for the EMHCF, shared appreciation for the overwhelming support from the community. “We are incredibly thankful for everyone who contributed to this year’s Golf Classic,” said Brandie James. “From our sponsors and volunteers to every player who participated, this event reflects the strength and generosity of our community. This will allow us to continue making a meaningful impact through the Foundation’s work.”
Tournament winners included Danville Office Equipment (DOE) Team 2 taking first place, KEMI earning second place, and Baird Wealth Management finishing in third place. Contest winners included John Hines and Nate Smith for Closest to the Pin, Blake Mason and Bill Warren for Longest Drive, and Troy Wheeler and Isaiah VanArsdell for Longest Putt.
Participating teams included representatives from UK HealthCare, Woods Adams, Dr. Justin & Dr. Katrina Kolasa, Davis H. Elliott, KEMI, Community Trust Bank, Volta, First Southern National Bank, Forvis Mazars, Kentucky Trust Company, Monticello Banking Company, Piper Sandler & Co., Bricker Graydon Wyatt, LLP, American Welding & Gas Inc., Johnson Pohlmann Insurance, Trim Masters Charitable Foundation, Wealthsouth, CMTA, Inc., AGFA HealthCare, LaFayette Engineering, Inc., Baird Wealth Management, Central Kentucky Restoration, Corning, Inc., Dean Dorton, Steve Lovell, Neat Companies, Blue & Co., Messer Construction, Northwestern Mutual, Farmers National Bank, Dan McKay, Limbach Facility & Project Solutions, Stengel Hill, Central Kentucky Surgeons, CMTA, DOE, Community Trust Wealth & Trust Management, and TMPartners.
The Foundation extends sincere gratitude to all sponsors whose support helped make the event possible. Premier Sponsors included DOE, Farmers National Bank, and Wealthsouth. Kentucky Trust Company served as the Foundation Champion sponsor. Foundation Friends sponsors included Dr. Justin & Dr. Katrina Kolasa, Trim Masters Charitable Foundation, Messer Construction, Community Trust Bank, Community Trust Wealth & Trust Management, Northwestern Mutual, and Baird Wealth Management. TMPartners served as the Players Lounge Sponsor, while Bricker Graydon Wyatt, LLP and UK HealthCare sponsored lunch for participants. Christopher Reed served as Cart Sponsor, and Stuart Powell Ford Mazda sponsored the Hole-In-One contest.
Additional Hole Sponsors included First Southern National Bank, Piper Sandler & Co., Johnson & Pohlmann Insurance, Doss & Horky, Dr. Justin & Sierra Lande, Stengel Hill, EMRMC Medical Staff, UK HealthCare, Central Kentucky Restoration, Dean Dorton, and Neat Companies. On-course hospitality was provided by Waler Gross G&J Pepsi and Canteen. Simply Rooted Massage served as Massage Therapist sponsor, while Blue Rook Distillery sponsored the tasting experience. Prize sponsors included Bluerook Distillery, Papa Johns Pizza, Appalachian Barrel Company, McDowell Wellness Center, and Liquor Barn. Digital Sponsors included Ovation Healthcare and Thoroughbred Architects and Engineers.
The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation thanks every sponsor, participant, volunteer, and supporter for helping advance the Foundation’s mission of improving health care and enhancing the lives of those throughout the region.
To learn more about the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation and its mission, contact Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator, at (859) 239-2362 or bjames@emhealth.org.