FRENCHTOWN, Mont. — On September 28, the King Ranch Golf Course will host a spirited charity event filled with camaraderie and a shared commitment to giving back.
25th Annual RiteCare Clinic Charity Golf Tournament
The annual RiteCare Clinic Charity Golf Tournament, now in its 25th year, is about more than just friendly rivalry; it plays a crucial role in helping Montanans of all ages find their voice.
Fundraising for Vital Services
Organized by the Western Montana Scottish Rite Foundation in collaboration with the Ockler family and King Ranch, this four-person best-ball scramble is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser. It generates roughly 25% to 33% of the annual support for the DeWit RiteCare Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic at the University of Montana, which is vital for providing services to clients who might not otherwise have access due to various barriers.
The Importance of the DeWit RiteCare Clinic
More than just a treatment facility, the DeWit RiteCare Clinic is key to Montana’s only graduate program in speech-language pathology. Graduate students, under faculty guidance, offer specialized interventions for speech, language, literacy, cognition, and hearing. Each client not only receives expert care but also aids in the training of future speech-language pathologists.
Meeting Statewide Demand
The clinic, revived in 2008 after nearly a two-decade gap without a master’s program, addresses the significant shortage of trained providers in a state challenged by its rural landscape. Leah Meloy, the clinic’s director, noted that the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow.
A Wide Range of Services
The clinic serves a diverse clientele, from preschoolers with unclear speech to adults recovering from strokes. Children with autism improve social communication skills, while older adults learn coping strategies for age-related issues. The clinic has also recently launched soundproof hearing booths for evaluations and research.
Investing in the Future
Financial backing from the Western Montana Scottish Rite Foundation allows the clinic to offer scholarships and sliding-scale fees, ensuring that all clients can receive care. This approach enables students to gain valuable experience while providing essential services to families who may be turned away elsewhere.
Join Us for the Tournament
The upcoming tournament will feature an 18-hole scramble beginning at 10 a.m., complete with a post-round lunch, team prizes, and a raffle. The $500 team entry fee contributes directly to the Scottish Rite Foundation’s support of the clinic, ensuring continued access to vital communication services.
