Representatives from Hospice of Cullman County, the Good Samaritan Health Clinic and Cullman Caring for Kids stand with officers and employees from Merchants Bank after receiving checks for $7,000 that were donated from the proceeds of the bank’s Charity Classic golf tournament.

A few of Cullman’s charitable organizations got a big lift Wednesday after Merchants Bank donated checks totaling $21,000 to Hospice of Cullman County, the Good Samaritan Health Clinic and Cullman Caring for Kids.

Each organization received $7,000 from proceeds raised by Merchants Bank’s 24th annual Charity Classic golf tournament that was held at TP Country Club on Sept. 25.

Merchants Bank CEO Steve Glasscock said the bank holds the tournament every year to give back to the community and organizations that help the people of Cullman County.

“It’s just something that we’ve done and feel like it’s very important,” he said. “We get a lot of people who make donations who do not play golf, but really enjoy raising money for local charities.”

This year’s tournament was delayed for a month due to rainy weather, but that didn’t stop golfers from showing up and donating money to a good cause, Glasscock said.

There were more than 120 golfers who were able to come and play on the day of the tournament, but those who could not attend were still able to contribute.

“No one wanted their money back even though they couldn’t play,” he said. “It’s been a great fundraiser.”

The event raised more than in previous years, up from the $6,000 that they got last year, he said.

Glasscock also praised the organizations that received the checks.

As the only non-profit hospice in the area, Hospice of Cullman County is an essential organization for the families of Cullman County, he said.

“They do an unbelievable thing for families in this county,” he said.

The work that Cullman Caring for Kids does speaks for itself, Glasscock said, and the money donated to them on Wednesday means that they will be able to help even more children.

Jolanda Hudson, executive director of the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, said the $7,000 donation means that 70 more people will be able to receive care from the clinic.

“Because of this we’re able to provide care for uninsured residents in our community,” Hudson said.

Glasscock said Merchants Bank puts a special focus on helping the residents of Cullman County because its employees and officers are members of the community as well.

“Our whole emphasis is helping people in Cullman County because we’re in Cullman County,” he said. “That’s our home.”

Tyler Hanes can be reached at 256-734-2131 ext. 138.