CF Foundation’s Annual Golf Charity Raises $630,000 to Support Community
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 2015 Ultimate Golf Experience, which ran four days beginning on Oct. 21, raised $630,000 towards continuing the organization’s mission of promoting disease research and awareness. Over 200 people attended the tournament at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain resort in Tucson, Arizona.
The event was hailed as a success and a source of much-needed funds. Perry Clark, the father of 15-year-0ld Wells Clark, the event’s ambassador, gave an inspiring Bid for a Cure speech, reported by CFF as a fundraiser highlight. In his speech, Clark spoke of the hope and optimism shared by the CF community, and about his experiences raising a child with cystic fibrosis. Wells Clark also spoke positively about his orkambi treatments and thanked the community for its support.
Also at the event, the 2015 Champion for a Cure Award was presented to C. Richard Mattingly, the CF Foundation’s former executive vice president and COO, who planned the inaugural event 21 years ago along with David and Sheri Mount. The Champion award was created in memory of Sheri Mount, who died in 2008, and honors those like Mr. Mattingly who embody her passion for supporting the CF Foundation’s mission, and community of patients and families, according to a CFF news release. Concluding the event, the 2015 Gio Award – created for Giovanni Villani, a golf enthusiast who faced CF bravely until succumbing at age 14 — was presented to Patrick Madigan, this year’s champion and a near tournament winner many times in the past.
Comedian Lewis Black, a supporter and friend of CF Foundation who has attended almost all Ultimate Golf Experience tournaments, hosted this year’s event together with his friends and fellow stand-up comedians Jeff Stilson and Kathleen Madigan. Guests were also entertained by musicians Victoria Shaw, Robin Meade, and Andy Childs.
Sponsors included American Airlines, AbbVie pharmaceuticals, BJ’s Restaurants Foundation, The Huggins Family and Roche Bros. Supermarkets together with Mark Marra (event chairman) and David Mount (founding chairman). If you’re interested in knowing more, the CF Foundation has information about the its next and 22nd Ultimate Golf Experience, set for Oct. 19–23, 2016.
Photo Credit: Mitch Gunn / Shutterstock.com
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