Have you ever thought about how things happen? How did an idea come into being? Twenty eight years ago there was a couple of people who had an idea that there needed to be some sort of financial support and assistance for people who need a ride to and from their doctor’s appointment in the area. The idea that a medical transportation system could exist to support community members who did not have a car or a family member that could take off of work to take their loved to the doctors was a real solution for a very real problem. Situations continued to arise with community members just needing help with a wheelchair getting in and out of a car. The weight and the strain of lifting and hauling around a wheelchair seemed almost impossible to solve. There needed to be a way to help. A solution was needed. How could this community foundation raise money to support this type of need or service? One might ask who could solve this problem and growing concern? If you answered – a doctor. You would be correct! Dr. James Algiers, of Hartford, was a kind and generous doctor. He was a visionary. He realized that time and money needed to be made available in order for a perfect solution. Algiers brainstormed with Terry Goerne, the executive director of the Hartford Memorial Hospital Foundation. They sat down and figured out that a golf fundraiser could energize a community while bringing them together for a community cause. How could they entice an entire community to believe in this cause? They needed a hook. What is Hartford known for around the world? Cars, Kissel Cars to be exact. They made their way to Beatrice (nee Kissel) Schauer’s place and asked her if she would like to memorialize the Goldbug Kissel Car? Beatrice agreed that the car could serve as a terrific symbol of transportation in the community and could be linked to the efforts of raising funds for a need in the community. Linking a bit of history with a current need was exactly what Dr. Algiers and Terry Goerne were hoping for. Memorializing the history of the Kissel family and the Goldbug Kissl Car to an event that would impact people’s lives was a beautiful way to drive home the kindness and concern people have for one another. The result was The Goldbug Golf Classic. This is event is a tradition worth supporting. Over the years the Hartford Memorial Hospital Foundation’s name changed. It became the Medical Center Foundation of Hartford in 1992. The Goldbug Golf Classic’s name never changed. It is still remembered and honored by business owners in our community who believe it is a vital part of caring for those in need. Every 2nd Tuesday of the month we DRIVE for RIDES at the Hartford Golf Club. We recognize the community’s support and we are blessed to have them help us help others. Thank you to all the sponsors. Diamond Sponsors: Frederick & Beatrice Schauer Foundation, Broan of Hartford, and Landmark Credit Union. Gold Sponsor: Aurora Medical Staff. Silver Sponsors:First National Bank Hartfrd, Steel Crafy Corp, Shimon Funeral Home. Bronze Sponsors: D&D Muffler & Tire Center, Edward Jones Hartford Team, Grand Ave Dental, Hahn Ace Hardware, Rob Miller Homes, Single Source Transportation