Our community's fight against the opioid epidemic just received a major boost, thanks to a grassroots effort that's been growing steadily for five years. Shore Medical Center in Somers Point announced that the Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing has now raised $100,000 in total donations, with the most recent contribution of $20,000 coming from the organization's 2025 tournament.
The fundraising effort, organized by OAR13—a nonprofit dedicated to addressing opioid addiction—is making a tangible difference in how our local hospital approaches pain management. The results speak for themselves: Shore Medical Center reported a 15.5 percent decrease in opioid doses administered to hospitalized patients between 2024 and 2025, along with a 10 percent reduction in intravenous opioid doses during the same period.
"Thanks to everyone who organized and supported the Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing, this partnership with OAR13 has now generated $100,000 to assist our efforts to address the opioid epidemic in our community," said David Hughes, chief executive officer and president of Shore Medical Center. "The continued reductions highlight the impact of sustained clinical initiatives designed to strengthen opioid stewardship, while ensuring patients continue to receive safe and effective pain management."
The funds are supporting comprehensive programs at the hospital, including a pharmacy-driven protocol that prioritizes oral opioids over intravenous administration to reduce serious risks like respiratory depression. The Emergency Department has also expanded non-opioid treatment options to decrease unnecessary opioid use from the start of patient care.
Beyond medication protocols, Shore Medical Center has implemented cutting-edge safety measures including AI software to monitor controlled substances, upgraded storage systems, and the distribution of naloxone discharge kits to patients. The hospital also partners with Legacy Treatment Centers to provide detox services and help patients transition to outpatient care.
David Beyel, Jr. presented the latest check to hospital leadership on February 26, representing OAR13's continued commitment to the cause. The nonprofit's members—including Nick Canderan, Maggie Davis, Jason Dugan, Nikki Patrizzi, and Ryan Scully—have turned personal loss into community action.
"What started out as an idea and an excuse to come together to remember our friend Kyle has now turned into $100k in donations to the hospital and 7 college scholarships for student-athletes," said Ryan Scully. "We hope to continue to make a meaningful impact in the community."
The organization honors Kyle Evans, who wore number 13 as a standout player on the Ocean City High School soccer team. In 2005, Evans led the boys' soccer team to an undefeated season—the only one in Cape-Atlantic League history. He passed away on November 1, 2017, shortly after his 30th birthday, and his friends chose to transform their grief into action.
OAR13 stands for Opioid Addiction Recovery, with the 13 honoring Evans' jersey number. Beyond the hospital donations, the group has also awarded seven college scholarships to student-athletes, extending Kyle's legacy of excellence both on and off the field.
The next Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, April 24, at Harbor Pines Golf Club. For those interested in supporting this vital community initiative, more information is available at oar13.org.
In a time when the opioid crisis continues to impact families across our region, this homegrown effort demonstrates how local action can create meaningful change. From a group of friends remembering their teammate to a six-figure fundraising milestone, the Kyle Evans Memorial Golf Outing proves that our community's compassion and determination can save lives.
