The second annual Swing fore a Cure golf tournament recently raised more than 0,000 to help fight cancer. The event follows a highly successful inaugural event in 2008, which raised 8,000.
It goes to show the commitment of the people in Southwest and Central Virginia, who have proven that they are truly committed to helping find a cure for Cancer, says Mark Hurley, Community Organizer for the American Cancer Society. For two years in a row, we have had outstanding support both in terms of the quality of the event and money raised.
The tournament was held at The Water s Edge at Smith Mountain Lake. We need to send a big thank you to Ron Willard and his staff for hosting the event, said Hurley, who also recognized the nearly 100 volunteers who assisted throughout the day. So important were the volunteers that an anonymous donor contributed $2,500 in their honor.
ADMMicro and Advance Auto Parts were the title sponsors for the event along with a dual sponsorship provided by Bosch and Purolator.
Although the golfers enjoyed a beautiful day in Virginia, rain created a no-show for two players who were to have been a draw for this year s event. PGA Tour Pro Kenny Perry and Tiger Woods caddy Steve Williams had been slated to join the field, but were unavailable because of rain delays at the U.S. Open at on Long Island, NY.
One guest who made the trip was Perry s instructor, Matt Killen of Franklin, KY, who has been named on of the top 20 under 40 golf instructors in the United States. Killen set up shop with video software on the 7th hole and gave instruction to many members of the field, who raved about the advice. Killen is a contributing writer to Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, and the founder of Putt.com.
A live auction prior to the evening s banquet netted tens of thousands of dollars including a $5,150 bid for a framed caddy bib worn by Williams as he caddied for Woods at the Buick Invitational. Both Woods and Williams signed the bib. A set of golf clubs and golf bag signed by Perry brought $3,000.
The audience also heard an inspirational story from local resident Beckie Sherman who told the crowd how her daughter had survived brain cancer for more than 13 years thanks to research funding provided by the American Cancer Society. Sherman received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her remarks.
