The Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation is putting out a call for sponsors for its 18th Annual Charitable Classic Golf & Gala Sept. 1 and 2 at Waynesville and Laurel Ridge country clubs.

For the past 17 years, the funds raised through the Golf & Gala event have helped underwrite new programs, build facilities and acquire state-of-the-art technology.

This year, proceeds from the Golf & Gala will go toward the planned Homestead Hospice Center and an unrestricted endowment fund for digital mammography equipment and mini-grants. Sponsors may delegate their support to either or both projects.

“This is our traditional annual fund raiser and we are extremely grateful for the outpouring of community support in the past. Since 1997, over $100,000 has been raised each year through this traditional event, yet we do not take this for granted,” said Robin Tindall-Taylor, HRMC’s Director of Foundation and Corporate Communications.

“We begin the annual effort now by asking sponsors and golfers to consider support. With increasing charity care and decreasing reimbursement, HRMC is in need of charitable support now more than ever. We are very fortunate that many continue, and many new supporters also come on board,” Tindall-Taylor said.

The new Hospice Center will be a first for Haywood County. This caring haven will include a 10,000-square-foot, six-bed inpatient facility, with room to expand to 12. With construction funded entirely through philanthropic funds, the proposed home-like building will be located in a serene wooded setting near Haywood Regional Medical Center.

Ron and Laura Leatherwood are serving for the first time as co-chairs for the event.

“We are delighted to be a part of this initiative because we believe a strong hospital is so critical to the well-being of our community. Ron and I want to help in any way we can and invite others to join us. Supporting this event is easy because it is a fun event for a really great cause,” said Laura Leatherwood.

Last year’s Golf & Gala, which attracted 175 sponsors, 335 golfers, 79 volunteers and 505 gala participants, netted more than $130,000 for the Foundation. Organizers hope to exceed that amount this year.

The deadline to receive full sponsor benefits is June 30. For more information call the Foundation office at 452-8343 or write: HRMC Foundation, 262 Leroy George Dr., Clyde, N.C., 28721.