"Teeing Off on Cancer" Golf Classic to be held Aug. 25
The Teeing Off on Cancer Golf committee presents the 7th annual Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Saratoga National Golf Course.
Proceeds from the event will support the Catie Hoch Foundation, established in memory of a Clifton Park girl who died in 2000 from neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer. The foundation provides financial assistance to the families of children who are in treatment for cancer and also supports cancer research.
Coach Darren Bennett
The tournament was founded in 2008 by Darren Bennett, head women’s basketball coach at Skidmore College, and Patrick Swan, an operations manager at Verizon Communications. The event attracts coaches, civic and business leaders, and golf enthusiasts who come together to support cancer research and raise awareness. Over its history, the tournament has raised nearly $250,000 to assist such organizations as the American Cancer Society.
Said Bennett, “This year we are excited to support the Catie Hoch Foundation and to team up with Gina Peca, Catie’s mom, in the fight against cancer. It’s not just about beating the disease; it’s also about being able to assist in providing some solace and comfort during a time of distress.”
Added Bennett, “When cancer enters the life of a child, it hits home way too early. We are proud that all of the funds raised will be used locally and directly to help families and children during such a difficult time. The Catie Hoch Foundation is amazing, and we have excitedly joined forces with them in the battle against cancer.”
Rich and Mary Flaherty of the Flaherty Foundation will serve as sponsors and honorary chairs of the tournament. Mary Flaherty, a breast cancer survivor, said that the event supports an ongoing quest to “to stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back.” Said Rich Flaherty at last year’s event, “So many people of all ages and walks of life are impacted by the diagnoses of cancer. I look forward to the day when we can come to this tournament and say ‘cancer is done.’ ”
Golfers of all levels are invited to participate in the tournament, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Golfers will have the chance to enter raffles and contests throughout the day, and
the event wraps up with a dinner and charity auction to help raise additional funds
for the fight against cancer. To register for the tournament or dinner and reception,
click here.
To learn more about the Catie Hoch Foundation, you can visit the foundations's web
site here.