(Cushing, Okla.) The Cushing Masonic Lodge topped the Charity Golf Event with their $2500 donation. This makes the 2011 total amount available for scholarships to be $13,262. This amount will cover the $8,000 for tuition and books for 3 paramedics, with some remaining “change.” Cushing Masonic Lodge has pledged $2500 each year to the golf event, and has also donated an additional $3600. Their total donation toward the Golf Event is $13,605. Additionally, they provide man hours in order to make it run more efficiently. They served on the planning committee providing leadership as the groundwork was laid and helped with registration and parking.
In 2008, the Cushing Masonic Lodge and the Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation teamed up to create funds to provide education for the local EMTs to attain the Paramedic level. They provided the vehicle for the community to donate and participate. Even though they were aware of several golf tournaments that were taking place in the community, they felt that a golf event would be supported by the community and raise enough funds in a short period of time to meet the needs of the community.
In the beginning, the goal was to educate enough paramedics to staff Cushing Ambulances for every shift in 24 hours, making 9 paramedics the goal. “When considering daily staffing along with days off and vacation time, more than 9 will be required!” commented Chief Kerr.
Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation Director Marian Gilkerson said, “We are close to funding the 9 paramedics, but we will continue as long as there is a need in the community.”
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