HERMISTON, Ore.-The Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation (GSCHF) Scramble for Scholarships golf tournament was June 12 at Big River Golf Course in Umatilla.
Now in its 33rd year, all funds raised through the tournament directly support the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.
“The Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships over the last two cycles,” said Liz Marvin, Executive Director of the GSCHF. “Those scholarships go to local kids in our service area of West Umatilla and Morrow Counties.”
144 golfers competed in the tournament that featured a fun and competitive four-person scramble format, on-course contests, raffle prizes, and a post-tournament awards dinner.
“Thanks to our partners and sponsors,” said Good Shepherd Health Care System President and CEO Art Mathisen before the tournament. “We’re blessed to have the freedom to do the things we love to do and build our health care bench with these scholarships. Without our bench, Good Shepherd couldn’t do what it does for us. It’s a great day with great people, great golf, and great food.”
Volunteers and sponsors make it happen
“We couldn’t do this without our volunteers; they are the gears behind this event,” said Marvin of the team of volunteers, including members of the GSCHF Board, Good Shepherd staff, and community members, who tirelessly volunteered to help with every aspect of the tournament.
Several sponsors, including Good Shepherd Health Care System and Amazon at the Masters Level, Goldman Sachs at the Eagle Level, and Credits Incorporated, Apollo Mechanical Contractors, and Family Health Associates at the Birdie Level, also helped make the Scramble for Scholarships a success.
“Our sponsors make the Foundation’s mission and community impact possible,” said Marvin. “I’d like to thank Amazon for their collaboration, dedication, and commitment to giving back.”
In addition to their sponsorship, Amazon fielded two teams in the Scramble for Scholarships.
“We all like golf, so we’re out here enjoying the sun and having fun for a good cause,” said Shae Sainsbury, a member of one of Amazon’s teams. “It’s about coming together as a community and neighbor helping neighbor.”
Scholarships for local students
The GSCHF offers scholarships in three separate programs; one for high school seniors, one for medical students who have completed a year of college, and one for medical professionals currently working for GSHCS.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the GSCHF awarded 44 scholarships to students pursuing careers in the medical field.
“It feels great, I was glad to be chosen,” said Ben Hopkins, a 2026 scholarship recipient. “I’m thankful to the Foundation for supporting my education and giving back to the community.”
Hopkins, who realized he wanted to go into nursing after a job shadow experience, volunteered at the Scramble for Scholarships and will be attending Washington State University in the fall.
“It was fascinating how surgeons could flip someone’s life around in a matter of hours,” said Hopkins, of the job shadow. “I plan to become a surgical nurse and come back to Eastern Oregon.”
The mission of the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is to enhance the quality of life and general health of residents living in the West Umatilla and Morrow County communities through charitable giving, partnerships, and long-term support of local health initiatives.
More information on the GSCHF is available online.
More information on GSCHF scholarships is also available online.
