On October 29, 10 boats and 40 participants set off from River Palms Cottages and Fish Camp, Jensen Beach, in search of big fish.  The day launched the inaugural Martin Health Inshore Invitational, coordinated and sponsored by CBRE Healthcare. While many claimed they would pull in the biggest catch, it was actually the children in our community who were the big winners. Teams reeled in $15,000 for Tradition Medical Center’s pediatric assistance fund to help financially needy pediatric patients.

All proceeds from the tournament will be used to help alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies medical treatment. The impact from the tournament was immediate. Just one day before the event, a premature newborn, ready to discharge home, required a special car seat and monitor in order to be released from the hospital. Unfortunately this baby’s parents were unable to afford the equipment. The baby could not be transported without it, and, the parents would be faced with the cost of additional days in the hospital on top of what they were already struggling with financially.  “Martin Health Foundation used the tournament proceeds to provide the specialty car seat and monitor. If not for this tournament, this little baby may still be in the hospital waiting to go home,” said Jessica McLain, vice president and chief philanthropic officer, Martin Health Foundation.

“More than 2,000 babies were born at Tradition Medical Center last year, these funds will go far in supporting families  not covered by insurance, who have high deductibles, and those who may have needs but don’t qualify for other financial assistance programs leaving families in a very difficult situation. We thank CBRE Healthcare and the participating sponsors and teams for their foresight in putting together this event,” added McLain. 

Matt Kelly, Tradition Medical Center director of planning, construction and real estate and Matt Hufnagle, CBRE Healthcare managing director came up with the idea for a fishing tournament. "It seemed like a fun way to bring the team together while raising money for a great cause," stated Hufnagle. CBRE Healthcare is the project manager for Tradition Medical Center Phase II.

Plans are already underway for the 2nd Annual Martin Health Inshore Invitational to be held in October 2016.

Thanks to all the corporate sponsors, captains and vendors that made the event possible and helped to raise $15,000: