Celebrities and Volunteers Tee Up Support for CF Foundation

August 12, 2010

CF Visionary Award recipient Joe O’Donnell, event co-chair Carmen Scarpa and Shaun Driscoll Award recipient Craig Benson enjoy a day of driving, chipping and putting at the 20th annual Kluzak/Scarpa Celebrity Golf Challenge.

Held at the Golf Club of New England in New Hampshire, the golf tournament featured a four-person best ball format.

Each threesome was joined by a celebrity team captain, from local media personalities to Boston Bruins and Olympian hockey players.

Guests bogied, parred and birdied while raising $182,500 to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Joey Fund, which was created by volunteer Joe O’Donnell in memory of his son Joey, who passed away from CF.

“Events that last two decades are rare, and it’s even more remarkable when the energy level remains so high,” says O’Donnell, who chairs the CF Foundation’s major giving campaign, Milestones to a Cure. “Our foundation lives on events like these all over the country, every day and every week throughout the year. We should never underestimate the tireless and heroic efforts of our volunteers; indeed they are the lifeblood of our mission to conquer CF.”

Recognizing CF Heroes

Several Foundation volunteers were recognized at the event for their many contributions.

Former Boston Bruin and Stanley Cup winner Ray Bourque and Joe O’Donnell received the CF Visionary Award, in recognition of “20 years of funding CF science, ensuring CF progress, and fueling CF dreams.”

In addition, Craig Benson was honored with the Shaun Driscoll Award, named for a young boy and CF advocate who lost his courageous battle with the disease in 1995.

Bidding for a Cure

After an exciting day of driving, chipping and putting, more than 100 guests bid on items in a silent and live auction. Items included tickets to Red Sox and Patriots games, a trip to Miami to see the Celtics vs. Heat game, and a Boston Bruins Experience, complete with a ride on a Zamboni and luxury suite tickets, and more.

The Celebrity Golf Challenge event has raised more than $3 million over the past 20 years.

The Massachusetts/Rhode Island Chapter is grateful for the support of the event co-chairs:

• Gord Kluzak
• Carmen Scarpa

And its corporate sponsors:

• American Airlines
• Goldman Sachs
• Tudor Investments