Golf outing raises $14,000 for WVU Children’s Hospital

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the American Association of Professional Landmen (MLBC-AAPL) raised $14,000 for West Virginia University Children’s Hospital through its Third Annual Charity Golf Outing and Dinner Meeting on May 12 at the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling.

The event was coordinated by Aaron Yost, whose son Tyler was born premature at WVU Children’s Hospital. Weighing in at 1 pound, 7 ounces, Tyler spent three and a half months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before he was released to go home. As a result of their experience, Sarah Yost, Aaron’s wife, helped start the Friends of the NICU, a support system for families whose babies are in the unit.

Raising funds for WVU Children’s Hospital through events like the golf outing is Aaron’s way of giving back.

“What better way to raise money than to play golf on a great course with a group of industry friends and peers? Three years ago I was given the opportunity to coordinate our local chapter’s golf tournament. Having been the parent of a child that was born very prematurely at WVU Children’s Hospital, I felt I could put together a charitable event that would benefit the place that saved our child’s life,” he said. “It’s my hope that the $33,000 the MLBC has raised over the past three years will have a significant impact on the many families and children that visit the hospital.”

This is the third consecutive year that the MLBC has donated to WVU Children’s Hospital. Funds raised from the golf outing will support Friends of the NICU.

“We appreciate the generosity of the MLBC and are grateful for the partnership we have with them,” Cheryl Jones, R.N., director of WVU Children’s Hospital, said. “The patients in our NICU are our tiniest patients and require extra special care. These funds will ensure that those babies and their families get the high level of care and support they need.”

The Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the AAPL serves members engaged in land matters within the oil, natural gas and mineral industries from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.