WEST SPRINGFIELD – It was nearing 80-degrees as golfers gathered at the Springfield Country Club the afternoon of July 29 to participate in the Max Golf Classic. Golf carts as far as the eye could see were filled with teams ready to tee off. 

The tournament, in its 16th year, is hosted by the Max Restaurant Group and raises money for Baystate Children’s Hospital each year. 

Director of Annual Giving and Events for the Baystate Foundation, Kathy Tobin, told Reminder Publishing to date the event has raised more than $2 million for Baystate Children’s Hospital. This year alone $125,000 was raised by golfers to benefit the hospital said AnneMarie Harding, public relations director of Max’s Tavern. 

Harding explained the tournament began 16 years ago when the owner of Max Restaurants, Rich Rosenthal, wanted to create a charitable tournament to give back to the community. 

Since it’s beginning in 2004, the tournament has helped provide the funds for the hospital to be able to purchase a variety of high-end equipment, fund programs, and even provide a waiting room for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

As one of the hospital’s most significant fundraisers, the funds from the tournament have helped the children’s hospital year after year in a significant way. “Throughout the years they’ve really made a real mark on the pediatric children's unit,” said Tobin. 

This year’s funds will provide the hospital with yet another piece of critical equipment. “This year, we’re helping to equip a pediatric transport table. It’s a bed that will transport children from one point to another, but these children are very high risk,” Tobin said. ”So it’s very important high-end equipment that helps them breathe during transport.”

While the tournament is only open to sponsors to maximize contributions, Tobin said it has gained a reputation for being a day of golf, food, and fun. A total of 232 golfers participated in the tournament in teams of four during either the morning or afternoon game.

This year’s tournament was presented by Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Smith and Wesson, and PODS. Previous sponsors have included restaurants, businesses, banks, insurance firms, and even schools.

Tobin said people from all over show up each year to play in the tournament and raise money for an important cause, but they also have a lot of fun along the way.

“There’s great comradery, and they really get very competitive. From the matching shirts that each foursome decide they want to have made up and wear, to the golf game itself,” Tobin said. “They really put all their heart and soul into this.”

And while Tobin is thankful for the golfers and their contributions, she is also thankful for the Max Restaurant Group creating and hosting the tournament each year.

“I would just like to thank the Max Restaurant Group because they are the drivers behind this and it was their concept to bring this golf tournament here and as the sole beneficiary, Baystate Children’s Hospital just is very indebted.”