Supporters of regional health care gathered in full swing as Samaritan hosted its milestone 36th annual “Drive FORE! A Good Cause” golf tournament at the Little Mill Country Club in Marlton. Presented by The Richardson Family Dealerships, this year’s highly anticipated outing brought in a record-shattering $246,000-plus to support the organization’s mission.
The funds will directly bolster Samaritan’s comprehensive suite of services, including palliative medicine, hospice care, grief support, social connections, and complex illness care for individuals and families across Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties.
A day of competition, community, and generosity
The 2026 tournament featured an array of engaging activities alongside traditional 18-hole play. Golfers competed in the prestigious Lexus Champions for Charity event—sponsored by Lexus of Cherry Hill—vying for an exclusive chance to secure a spot at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course in California.
Participants also enjoyed on-course contests sponsored by Mancine Optical, a popular 50/50 raffle, and a dynamic online auction featuring highly coveted dining packages, sports tickets, and unique prizes.
Chris Rollins, chief development officer at Samaritan, highlighted the deep personal connections that drive the event’s ongoing success:
“Many of our volunteers, trustees and committee members – as well as sponsors and golfers – have a personal experience with Samaritan, meaning we cared for a family member. Their coming together in the spirit of gratitude and giving through this tournament is a powerful thing to be a part of, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
Rollins also extended special appreciation to presenting sponsor The Richardson Family Dealerships, alongside returning committee co-chairs Cliff Mancine and Roy Fazio, both of whom have dedicated more than two decades to steering the tournament’s success.
Each year, Samaritan touches the lives of more than 13,000 patients, clients, and family members. The proceeds generated from the annual golf classic ensure the continuation of critical “above and beyond” services that are often not covered by standard insurance reimbursements.
These signature supportive programs include:
- Specialized music and massage therapy
- Creative art therapy and pet therapy
- Comprehensive caregiver resources and family support
- Expanded grief counseling and bereavement offerings
Whether patients are aging in place at home, residing in assisted-living or nursing facilities, or staying at Samaritan’s dedicated inpatient centers—The Samaritan Center at Mount Holly and The Samaritan Center at Voorhees—these resources provide essential comfort and dignity.
