Nebraska Golf Tournament Raises Funds for New Ambulances

When ambulances age out, entire communities feel the impact, and Kearney, Nebraska isn't waiting for help to arrive.

CHI Health Good Samaritan is hosting its 3rd Annual Foundation Golf Tournament on May 29 to fund critical ambulance replacements. Several vehicles in the Good Samaritan EMS fleet have reached the end of their suggested lifespan, putting strain on the team that responds to 911 calls, long-distance medical transports, and standby duty at fires and local sporting events.

The four-person scramble tournament at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course brings the community together for breakfast, 18 holes, lunch, and prizes. Every dollar raised goes directly to putting new ambulances on the road, ensuring families get help when seconds matter most.

At $400 per team, the tournament is designed to be accessible while making a real difference. The event caps at 34 teams, with registration closing May 1, creating an intimate gathering where local businesses and residents can see their impact up close.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about replacing vehicles. It's about a community refusing to let critical services decline and taking ownership of the safety net they depend on.

Good Samaritan EMS ambulances are fixtures at community events, visible reminders that help is always nearby. When these ambulances age beyond safe operation, response times can suffer and maintenance costs skyrocket, draining resources from patient care.

By rallying around a golf tournament, Kearney residents are doing what small communities do best: solving problems together. The event turns a funding challenge into a celebration, where every swing supports neighbors they may never meet but might someday save.

Other rural communities facing similar equipment challenges are watching. This model proves that creative fundraising can close gaps that traditional funding sources leave open, keeping essential services strong without waiting for outside help.

The tournament represents something bigger than new ambulances: it's proof that communities thrive when people show up for each other.