Mosaic Life Care-Maryville reports the St. Francis Foundation, which supports the local health care operation, recently hosted its 36th annual golf fundraiser.
The event generated a record breaking $116,000 dollars to support the expansion of patient registration and infusion space on the Maryville campus.
The foundation also presented its annual Spirit of St. Francis Award to Dr. Kanti Havaldar, who completed a 50 year career last year with Mosaic-Maryville and its predecessor, St. Francis Family Health Care. Dr. Havaldar, who started his local practice in 1976, was the area's first internal medicine specialist.
News release from Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville recapping the St. Francis Foundation's 36th fundraising golf tournament:
The St. Francis Foundation, in support of Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville, welcomed 248 golfers to the 36th Annual St. Francis Classic on August 21 at Mozingo Lake Golf Course, raising a record-breaking $116,000 to support the expansion of patient registration and infusion space at Mosaic Cancer Care – Maryville.
Presented by Patrick Harr, MD, Michael Wurm, MD, Amrit Singh, MD, Manuel Runez, MD, and Sally Bomar, MD, this year’s event generated the highest fundraising total in the tournament’s history.
Funds raised through the St. Francis Classic will support the expansion of patient registration and infusion space at Mosaic Cancer Care – Maryville, allowing more patients to receive treatment close to home. The project will enhance the patient experience and increase capacity for cancer care services in northwest Missouri.
The annual event kicked off Thursday, 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 celebrating philanthropy and community impact.
Tournament participants enjoyed a full day of golf along with a variety of fundraising activities including a golf ball drop, silent auction, golf cart raffle, course games, food and specialty beverages.
Morning flight champions Bryan Wright, Brandon Martickle, Brent Jennings and Rob Sager captured the morning title with a score of 49.
Afternoon flight campions Corey McVinua, Derek Allen, Caleb Booth and Jeff James scored a 51.
For more information about the St. Francis Foundation, visit stfrancishospitalfoundation.com.
News release from Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville recapping the presentation of the annual Spirit of St. Francis Award:
The St. Francis Foundation recognized Kanti Havaldar, MD, as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of St. Francis Award during the Friends of the Foundation Social held on August 20 as part of the 36th Annual St. Francis Classic.
The Spirit of St. Francis Award honors individuals whose lives exemplify compassion, service and a commitment to improving the health and well-being of others. For nearly five decades, Dr. Havaldar embodied those values through his unwavering dedication to patients, families and the northwest Missouri community.
A native of India, Dr. Havaldar earned his medical degree from MGM Medical College in Indore before completing residency training there. After moving to the United States, he completed a rotating internship and residency at Pontiac General Hospital in Pontiac, Mich., where he served as chief resident during his final year.
In 1976, Dr. Havaldar made a life-changing 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 community, Dr. Havaldar become the area’s first internal medicine specialist. He cared for patients in the clinic, hospital, emergency department and nursing facilities, often working long days and overnight shifts to meet the healthcare needs of the region.
Over the years, Dr. Havaldar practiced with Maryville Specialty Clinics, St. Francis Family Health Care, SSM Health Medical Group and Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville. Throughout his career, he cared for multiple generations of families, developing 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.
In 2020, Dr. Havaldar retired from seeing patients in the clinic after decades of service but continued supporting patient care through his leadership role with the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. He concluded that chapter of his career on July 1, 2025, bringing nearly 50 years of dedicated service to a close.
Behind his successful career has been the steadfast support of his wife, Kokila. For two decades, she managed his medical practice while also serving the hospital through the St. Francis Auxiliary, including two terms as president. Together, they raised their children, Sanjay and Abha, both of whom followed their parents’ example of service by becoming physicians.
The Havaldars’ commitment to local healthcare extends beyond patient care. In 2016, Dr. Havaldar and Kokila made a $25,000 gift to the St. Francis Foundation to support future facility improvements and patient care initiatives. In 2026, the Havaldars made an additional $25,000 gift in support of the foundation’s mission and its ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services for the region it serves.
One of the evening’s most touching tributes came from nine of Dr. Havaldar’s former nurses who gathered to celebrate his recognition. Together, the group represented 392 years of service caring for patients and families throughout northwest Missouri, a testament to the relationships and culture of care Dr. Havaldar helped foster throughout his career.
The St. Francis Foundation is honored to recognize Dr. Havaldar’s remarkable career and lasting contributions with the Spirit of St. Francis Award.
For more information about the St. Francis Foundation, visit stfrancishospitalfoundation.com.
