Barry Fowler fundraiser at Plains Golf Course

This past weekend’s Barry Fowler Clark Fork Valley Hospital fundraising golf tournament was just the latest example of the generosity prevalent in Plains.

A group of 72 area golfers took part in the team event, which raised more than $34,000 for the CFVH Foundation.  Those funds are used to a variety of patient comfort items such as blanket warmers and a high-tech, handheld light device that helps nurses and phlebotomists locate veins for blood draws and other tests.  CFVH Marketing and Community Relations Director Tonya Revier, said the event was a big success. 

“This is the largest fundraising event the Foundation has had since the capital campaign in 2005 that helped fund the hospital expansion,” Revier said. 

That sentiment was echoed by the head of the hospital. 

“This was a fantastic tournament,” said CFVH President/CEO Dr. Gregory Hanson. “The record number of players had a great time.  Sponsors and golfers were very generous, leading to a record fund-raising total of $34,000.  We really appreciate everyone who was involved”. 

So will chilled patients who are warmed by the blanket warmers and patients whose veins are often hard to access. 

The foursome of Plains residents Jack Revier, Gary Revier, Scott Rice and former Plains resident Eddie Fultz, who now resides in Fort Benton. 

Two teams shot best-ball scores of 56 on day, resulting in a “chip off” to break the tie, adding to the excitement of the day. 

This year’s event was held in honor of Barry Fowler, a long time CFVH Foundation associate who passed away last year after a battle with cancer.  

“This year had special significance because of our long time Foundation Director and tournament organizer, Barry Fowler, who passed away in December,” Dr. Hanson said. “We wanted to honor him with a name change for the tournament”. 

One of Fowler family members, his sister Cynthia Graver, who lives on the East Coast, said Barry would have been proud of the event held in his honor. 

“Barry loved his work at CFVH and for the Foundation,” she said. “On several occasions, I had the honor of touring Barry’s workplace with him and meeting some of his colleagues.  Thank you for carrying on his legacy in such a meaningful way”. 

Fowler, an avid golfer and annual coordinator of the event, was also a strong supporter of the Plains Golf Course, where the event was held Sunday morning.  He was a board member of the course for several years and also served as head coach of the Plains High Golf Team.

    An armada of golf carts awaits the start of the Barry Fowler Clark Fork Valley Hospital Foundation charity golf tournament this past Sunday at Plains Golf Course. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)