Golf Tournament Supports Local Clinic

The fourth annual Jeanie Schmidt Golf Tournament will be held next Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, in Herndon.

Chairman Mani Fierro said the event has been held each year in order to raise money for the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic (JSFC), which provides free health services to patients with no insurance and a household income of 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level.   

According to its Web site, services at the JSFC include non-emergency care for children in Fairfax County and full medical care for adults with high blood pressure or diabetes in Herndon, Reston, Chantilly and Centreville, Va.

Fierro said he has been involved in the golf tournament since its first year.  He said he believes there is no other tournament like it and thinks that the clinic is a very worthy cause.

JSFC Executive Director Meagan Ulrich said that in years past the turn out for the event has been very good and this year she expects to see anywhere between 150 to 200 participants, she said.

Ulrich added that the community of businesses and individuals that show their support each year do it because the clinic is a direct example of meeting a need in the area's own back yard.

"It makes me feel like it's a very caring community and that we really are neighbors helping neighbors," Ulrich said. "To me, it shows we're doing what we can for the people in our community."

Founded in 2002, The Herndon Free Clinic was created by registered nurse Jeanie Schmidt, who identified the critical need for free school physicals among low-income residents.

The clinic was founded with the mission to provide health care to people in need through a network of dedicated volunteers.  

According to Ulrich adult services were added in 2005 at the Neighborhood Resource Center in Herndon. 

Services for adults with high blood pressure and diabetes include full primary medical care including preventative screenings, prescription medicines, health education, diagnostic testing and repeat visits with a medical provider.  

Children's services include short term non-emergency medical care, health screenings, school and sports physicals, medications, specialty referrals, and dental and vision screenings, she said.   

In addition, Ulrich said JSFC serves as a site for torture evaluations, and a referrals for the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic.  

In fiscal year 2008-2009 the clinic provided 2,933 visits to 949 patients in need.  

Ulrich said that this level of service was possible as a result of  265 volunteers providing 5,226 hours of care, an increase of 33 percent over the previous year. 

The Jeanie Schmidt Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Sept. 30, rain or shine, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Fierro said there are still spots available for those interested in playing.

The cost is $125 per player, which includes the green fees, cart, access to the driving range, lunch and more. Prizes, such as a flat screen television and trophies, will be given throughout the day.

Money raised from the event will be donated to the clinic. Fierro said their goal is to raise at least $25,000.

"It's been very good. It's grown every year and it's become one of the best golf tournaments that the town has," Fierro said. "I'm looking forward to good weather and a lot of happy golfers. But the ultimate goal is to raise money for the clinic."

For more information on how you can participate or become a sponsor of the tournament call Mani Fierro at 703-435-7330. To learn more about the Herndon Free Clinic visit www.jsfreeclinic.org.