ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Andrews' Fisher House is hosting its 13th Annual Golf Tournament assisting the families who temporarily call Fisher House, "home."
"This tournament has been held here at the Courses at Andrews for thirteen years and benefits the local Fisher House here at Andrews," said Janet Grampp, Andrews Fisher House manager. "Proceeds from the tournament go directly to this organization to benefit the families who find a temporary home at the Andrews' Fisher House."
Mrs. Grampp emphasized the importance -- both financial and otherwise -- of the golf tournament on the base Fisher House. "Besides the Combined Federal Campaign, the annual golf tournament is the only other large scale fundraiser we conduct each year," explained Mrs. Grampp. "Not only does it raise money for our program, but it's also an ideal time to reintroduce our program to the community. The success of this program is due in large part to volunteerism and community and corporate support."
"This is a fun event that exposes our program to many people who may not otherwise know about the important work that we do," said Mrs. Grampp. "It's amazing how many people are willing to help if they only know the opportunity exists."
Golfers -- and non-golfers alike -- are invited to participate. "Everyone is invited," said Mrs. Grampp. "Military, civilian, corporate sponsors -- everyone who has any interest in the Fisher House Program is welcome to participate in our golf tournament. If you don't golf, you may be able to participate by volunteering, making a donation of prizes or goodies, or making a monetary contribution to the Fisher House."
Since its August 1994 opening, the Fisher House at Andrews has served more than 3,000 families. Mrs. Grampp explained that the Fisher House has seven guest suites and that families are referred to the house by their health care provider. "The average length of stay is approximately 12 days, however, we frequently have families who stay for several months," said Mrs. Grampp. "With the cost of hotels off base at $100 per night, it is estimated that we save our military families over $250,000 per year."
Mrs. Grampp explained that the Fisher House is a temporary home away from home for military families. "Our guests have every comfort of home," said Mrs. Grampp. "A recent visitor expressed it best when she said that the last two months of her husband's life he was in the ICU. She would spend all day at the hospital and then go back to a lonely hotel room. Fisher House did not exist at that time. Our guests come 'home' after a long day at the hospital to a clean, warm and comfortable environment with the loving support of their fellow guests and the volunteer staff who care for them."
"The Fisher House at Andrews proudly serves those who serve -- the men and women of our armed forces and their loved ones," said Mrs. Grampp.
The Fisher House at Andrews Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 19 and is a Captain's Choice/Best Ball, shotgun start at 2 p.m. at the Courses at Andrews. Registration begins at noon. Entry fees include green fee, cart, beverages, dinner and prizes.
For more information or a registration form, call 301-981-1243.