Methodist Hospitals Foundation Hosts 15th Annual Charity Golf Outing

More than 100 golfers joined sponsors, hospital leaders and community partners Monday, Sept. 28, for the Methodist Hospitals Foundation’s 15th annual charity golf outing at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville. The event brought together supporters for a day of friendly competition with the shared purpose of strengthening patient care and expanding access to healthcare across Northwest Indiana.

Organizers projected a fundraising total of $150,000, which would exceed last year’s $123,000 by $27,000. The support will help the Foundation advance programs and services for patients and families, including those facing financial and other barriers to care.

“Every year we raise the bar and set new goals,” said Matt Doyle, president and CEO of Methodist Hospitals.

For Celina Weatherwax, Executive Director of the Methodist Hospitals Foundation, the outing’s impact extends well beyond the golf course.

“Leading the Methodist Hospitals Foundation is both a privilege and a source of great pride,” Weatherwax said. “There is genuine joy in working alongside people whose compassion, integrity, and generosity make a meaningful difference for patients and families.”

The Foundation recognized its platinum and gold sponsors, including Hard Rock Casino, Intelas Healthcare, Performance Mechanical Contractors, CAPTRUST, Eichhorn & Eichhorn, Pulmonary Specialists of NW Indiana, Shepherd Insurance, Michuda Construction, and United States Steel Gary Works. Their support, alongside contributions from other sponsors, individual donors and participants, helps the Foundation respond to patient needs and strengthen services throughout Methodist Hospitals.

Among those partners is Intelas Healthcare, which has a long-standing relationship with Methodist. For Howard Doughman, the company’s resident regional manager, that connection is both professional and personal.

Doughman’s wife is from Northwest Indiana, and the couple shares an appreciation for the region and its future. Through his work with Methodist, Doughman has seen the value of organizations working together to support the communities they serve. He described that collaboration as a source of optimism as investment and revitalization continue throughout the area.

Methodist Hospitals’ long-standing presence in Gary remains central to its mission. Its leadership in the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, alongside the Boys & Girls Clubs and Crossroads YMCA, reflects a continued commitment to investing in the community through partnerships.

As a safety-net hospital system, Methodist serves patients who may have limited incomes, lack insurance or rely on public insurance programs. Philanthropic support helps strengthen the services and resources available to those patients while addressing barriers that can make accessing care difficult.

“We keep our population at the heart of what we do, how we drive the mission forward, and how we work to expand access to those in need,” Weatherwax said.

Before the noon shotgun start, golfers gathered in their carts as Doyle and Innsbrook golf professional Matt Brady welcomed participants. With a beautiful fall day ahead, the opening remarks set a relaxed, appreciative tone for the outing.

“Having fun is the only rule for the day,” Doyle said.

Doyle and his foursome headed to the first hole while other teams spread out across the course. Golfers participated in teams of four, with individual registration priced at $250.

Throughout the day, participants took on hole-in-one, closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive challenges, along with a putting competition. Mulligan purchases, skins participation and a silent auction provided additional fundraising opportunities.

Prizes and auction offerings included another round of golf at Innsbrook, Indiana Fever tickets and merchandise, and an Igloo cooler stocked with local craft beer.

Following play, golfers returned to the clubhouse at approximately 5 p.m. for dinner, awards and sponsor recognition. Tournament and contest winners were celebrated, along with the partners whose contributions helped make the event possible. 

Weatherwax credited the generosity of sponsors and donors, many of whom attended the outing, with helping the Foundation expand its support for patients and communities.

“Together, with the help of our sponsors and donations, we are doing great things that will, going forward, continue to grow and expand, offering our communities increased access to healthcare and resources,” Weatherwax said.

Funds raised through the golf outing and other Foundation initiatives support patient care, community outreach and access to healthcare. Each sponsorship, donation and registration contributes to that work, connecting community generosity with needs across Methodist Hospitals.

For the golfers, sponsors and community partners who gathered at Innsbrook, the day offered more than an opportunity to enjoy the course. It was a chance to help ensure that patients and families throughout Northwest Indiana continue to have access to compassionate care and essential resources.

Additional contributions to this non-profit organization can be made through the Methodist Hospitals Foundation’s website, methodisthospitals.org/give-to-methodist