Annual Golf & Taste Celebration

September 14, 2020

Join us for our 35th annual Golf & Taste Celebration event on Monday, September 14, 2020.

More details to come!

2019 Golf & Taste Celebration Recap

On June 24, more than 750 community members attended the 34th annual Ridgeview Foundation Golf & Taste Celebration at Island View Golf Club in Waconia. The event raised more than $1.125 million for Ridgeview Medical Center, marking the ninth consecutive year supporters have reached this significant milestone.

“I am so proud of our generous donors and our outstanding volunteers and staff for making this event such a huge success year after year,” said Dave Philip, event chairperson. “Their ongoing support is truly a testament of the trust and faith the greater community has in Ridgeview.”

As one of the most successful charity golf events in the upper Midwest, the Ridgeview Foundation Golf & Taste Celebration has raised more than $13.5 million since 1986. Proceeds have helped fund some of the most critical programs and services at Ridgeview Medical Center. These additions include birthing suites and equipment, the Minneapolis Heart Institute® at Ridgeview, and the new Norman and Ann Hoffman Emergency Center.

Funds raised from this year’s event will continue to support the Norman and Ann Hoffman Emergency Center through the purchase of three new ambulances and the completion of a second stabilization/trauma room.

“There have been advancements in technology and equipment in emergency care and ambulance services,” said Ben Nielson, COO, Ridgeview Medical Center. “It’s critical we invest in these resources to continue to save lives every day.”

A few midday rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of the volunteers, sponsors and participants who came to show their support of Ridgeview.

The celebration kicked off in the morning with a Coffee Cup tournament for the participating golfers. After that, a Founder’s Cup tournament filled the afternoon. Participants enjoyed food, beverages and fun contests throughout the course.

Meanwhile, the annual bridge tournament took place at The Winery at Sovereign Estates. Players enjoyed a lunch and special raffle.

The evening drew in more than 500 supporters for the Taste of Ridgeview Region—a celebration featuring food and beverages from a variety of local restaurants and establishments and live music from local musicians. Fox 9’s chief meteorologist Ian Leonard returned to serve as the emcee for the program, leading silent and live auctions and recognizing major sponsors.

Event participants also had an opportunity to pick from more than 350 pulls on the “Grip It & Rip It” board, which totaled $40,000 in prizes. They could also “Buy a Brick,” which will be permanently featured on the donor wall at the Norman and Ann Hoffman Emergency Center.

“The community continually shows their dedication to Ridgeview, and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of everyone here today,” said Michael Phelps, president and CEO, Ridgeview Medical Center. “Our supporters value the significant services Ridgeview provides in the community, and with their help we will continue to deliver the highest-quality medical care to our patients.”

Thank you to all who joined us for this special event. Please plan to attend the 35th annual celebration on June 22, 2020.