PRESTONSBURG — Highlands Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Highlands Health System, recently hosted the 15th annual Golf Classic. This year’s Golf Classic, held at StoneCrest Golf Course, was the most successful to date, raising over $120,000. After tournament expenses, around $70,000 will benefit the Highlands Center for Autism.

Highlands Center for Autism will use funding to help children with autism spectrum disorder receive the therapeutic treatment that is changing their lives for the better. In previous years, proceeds from the Golf Classic have gone toward helping fund other needed healthcare projects at Highlands, including the construction of Highlands’ new Emergency Department and patient care area renovations.

“The Highlands Golf Classic is one of the biggest golf tournaments in the state and we have much to be proud of in its continued success over the years,” said Kathy Rubado, executive director of Highlands Foundation and Golf Classic co-chair. “It is truly a ‘friend raiser’ as well as a ‘fund raiser’ for the entire Health System. On behalf of the Golf Committee and the Highlands Foundation Board of Directors, we sincerely appreciate all the sponsors who offered their support to the event. A special thanks to the management and staff of StoneCrest Golf Course for their work and dedication to help make the event a success.”

The tournament is a two-day event, with 42 teams participating each day for a total of 336 golfers. Local players participated in the event, as well as numerous teams from out of state, including a team from California.

Wednesday’s winning team was American Health Connection, taking first place with a score of 54. Ultra Group Team 2 won second, with a score of 55. Mountain Enterprises won third place with a score of 56.

On Thursday, East Kentucky Broadcasting tied with Appalachian Wireless for first place, with a score of 57. A score card play-off gave first place to East Kentucky Broadcasting. The third-place winner was Ad Imprints.

In addition, the Golf Classic received support from the Highlands Regional Medical Center Board and the Highlands Foundation Board, who helped make the event a success. There were over 35 Highlands employees who joined the board members and volunteered their time to support a worthy cause.

“Thanks for your support for this cause,” said Shelli Deskins, program director of the Highlands Center for Autism. “Rates of autism now stand at 1 in 88 births and the Center remains the only program of its type in the state. On behalf of the staff, children and families at the Center we thank you for your help and support.”

For more information about the Highlands Foundation or Highlands Center for Autism, you can visit www.highlandsfoundation.com and www.highlandsautism.org