Record-Breaking golf tournament and community tribute highlight St. Francis Classic
MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) -- The 36th Annual St. Francis Classic proved to be a celebration of both philanthropy and legacy, as the event raised a record-breaking amount of money for cancer care and honored a physician whose decades-long career has saved many in the area.
Held August 21 at Mozingo Lake Golf Course, the tournament drew 248 golfers and generated the highest fundraising total in its history, $116,000.
Proceeds will support the expansion of patient registration and infusion space at Mosaic Cancer Care Maryville, allowing more local patients to receive treatment closer to home.
Presented by physicians Patrick Harr, MD, Michael Wurm, MD, Amrit Singh, MD, Manuel Runez, MD, and Sally Bomar, MD, the event featured a full day of golf along with fundraising activities including a golf ball drop, silent auction, cart raffle, and course games.
The morning flight champions, Bryan Wright, Brandon Martickle, Brent Jennings, and Rob Sager, captured the title with a score of 49, while afternoon flight winners Corey McVinua, Derek Allen, Caleb Booth, and Jeff James carded a 51.
The festivities kicked off August 20 with the Friends of the Foundation Social at Rose Hill Acres, where golfers, sponsors, and special guests gathered for a Masters-themed evening, and during this event the foundation presented one of the evening's most meaningful honors.
Dr. Kanti Havaldar was named the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of St. Francis Award, recognizing a life dedicated to compassion, service, and improving community health.
A native of India, Dr. Havaldar earned his medical degree from MGM Medical College in Indore before completing residency training there and later in Michigan.
In 1976, he made the decision to move to Maryville and join the practice of doctors Benjamin Byland and G. Raymond Wempe.
At a time when only a handful of physicians served the region, he became the area's first internal medicine specialist, caring for patients across the clinic, hospital, emergency department, and nursing facilities, often working long days and overnight shifts to meet the community's needs.
Over the decades, Dr. Havaldar practiced with Maryville Specialty Clinics, St. Francis Family Health Care, SSM Health Medical Group, and Mosaic Medical Center Maryville.
He cared for multiple generations of families, building relationships that extended far beyond the exam room. Some patients remained under his care for decades, celebrating milestones and even 100th birthdays with a physician they considered family.
Dr. Havaldar retired from clinical patient care in 2020 but continued supporting the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program until July 1, 2025, bringing nearly 50 years of dedicated service to a close.
Behind his career has been the steadfast support of his wife, Kokila, who managed his practice for two decades and served two terms as president of the St. Francis Auxiliary. Together, they raised two children, Sanjay and Abha, both of whom followed their parents' example of service by becoming physicians.
The Havaldars' commitment to local healthcare has also included philanthropic support.
In 2016, he made a $25,000 gift to the St. Francis Foundation for facility improvements and patient care initiatives.
In 2026, he contributed an additional $25,000 to support the foundation's ongoing mission.
"We are honored to recognize Dr. Havaldar's remarkable career and lasting contributions," the foundation shared in a statement. "His life's work embodies everything the Spirit of St. Francis Award stands for."
More on the St. Francis Hospital Foundation can be found here.
