GLENDALE — As the sun rose Saturday morning at a West Valley golf facility, a large health care fundraiser was beginning in the shadow of State Farm Stadium.
More than 150 people joined Sun Health Foundation staff at Topgolf’s Glendale location to drive progress in cancer treatment. The foundation’s Driving FORE Superior Health Charity Golf Day allowed players and spectators to have a fun time cheering, playing, winning prizes and honoring medical professionals in the fight against cancer.
The event ended up raising more than $55,000 for cancer care in Arizona.
“It was an inspiring day of fun and friendly team competition,” the foundation said in a statement.
Net proceeds will support Advanced Technology for Cancer-fighting Treatment and Care at Banner Boswell Medical Center. That center’s emerging technology includes a robot that revolutionizes the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
The day included donors use Topgolf’s driving-range-centered facility, competing in teams and in individual incentives. Each participant also received a raffle ticket for one of a handful of door prize packages.
Drawings were conducted for prizes such ranging from Sedona getaways and staycations to golf accessories and gift baskets.
A closing meeting congratulated the top teams. There was also a video played, featuring messages of gratitude shared by physicians at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“Amid the cheering and exciting team competitions, the day included a lot of inspiration, too,” the foundation said.
Gina Ore, the foundation’s chief philanthropy officer, thanked sponsors and participants.
“What a great day of fun and golfing with a purpose,” Ore said. “We are so grateful so many individuals, groups, organizations, and teams, including Sun Health’s The Colonnade community, who came out to support such an important cause through the Generosity for Generations campaign. On behalf of all of us at Sun Health Foundation, thank you. Your participation makes an impact.”
The first-place team was Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Second place was a team called PXG/YAM, representing two brands from Valley businessman Bob Parsons; third was Banner Health Leadership.
Ore also thanked event sponsors, which include Banner Health, Belmontez Construction, CDW Healthcare, HILGARTWILSON, Morrison Living, Orcutt-Winslow, The Weitz Co. and Zion & Zion. Supporters include Rox Media Group, JDM Partners and Southwest Integrated Solutions.
Support continues to be needed to fund cancer-fighting programs. For information, visit SunHealthFoundation.org/generosity or call 623-471-8500.
Jason W. Brooks is a News editor for the Daily Independent and the Chandler Independent.
He covers the Chandler area for both yourvalley.net and the monthly print edition while writing for and assisting in the production of the Daily Independent.
Brooks is a well-traveled journalist who has documented life in small American communities in nearly all U.S. time zones.
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised there and in suburban Los Angeles, he has covered community news in California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and northern Arizona.
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