Celebrities finish final day of Drive Fore Kids with big swings and bigger checks
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Celebrities finish final day of Drive Fore Kids with big swings and bigger checks
Celebrity golfers raise $205,000 to help children with cancer. “I don’t wanna be at the bottom of this list,” says one golfer. “We take care of people regardless of if they can pay or not,” says another. “It’s really an incredible cause,” says the head of a children’s charity that helps kids with cancer in the area. “You can’t put a price on a kid’s life,” says a mother. “They’re not going to die. They’re just going to get better.”
FALMOUTH, Maine — A star-studded group of athletes and entertainers hit the links in Falmouth for the final round of the Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament, raising money to support children battling cancer in Maine.
The competition at the Falmouth Country Club was fierce but so was the commitment to making a difference.
“I’m out there grinding like everyone else over every shot,” retired Ladies Professional Golf Association Pro Blair O’Neal, said. “Hoping today I can get a little bit better of a day going.”
“I wanna beat some guys. I don’t wanna be at the bottom of this list, so the pressure’s on today,” added Kevin Caron, former Red Sox broadcaster and Maine native.
But more important than the final score was the fundraising goal. Organizers said they exceeded the goal, raising $205,000 to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and the Dempsey Center, both of which provide critical care for young cancer patients and their families.
“Pediatric cancer is especially heartbreaking,” Caron said. “To raise this much money— it’s really an incredible cause.”
“They’re doing great things for these kids,” Rex Burkhead, former New England Patriots running back and Super Bowl Champion, said. “Trying to find better treatment options— it’s truly special.”
While the celebrity golfers were in the spotlight, 300 volunteers worked to make sure the donations get to where they’re needed most.
“Every bit of funding really helps expand our services and provide the care Mainers need,” Maine Health pediatric practice manager Deb Pile, said. “We take care of people regardless of if they can pay or not. Everyone gets access to the care they need.”
Mitch Davis and his son Eli are just one family impacted by the work of these two organizations. Eli is now enjoying life cancer-free thanks to treatment from the Dempsey Center.
The tournament even gave Eli a chance to meet some of his heroes.
“I met four professional hockey players because I’m a huge fan,” Eli said.
For the celebrities, making sure Eli and other kids can enjoy the rest of their lives without fear of the deadly disease means more than any great drive or putt.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what my score is,” former Boston Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft, said. “We’re here to raise money for two great causes and be a part of the community.”