RELEASE – ROD CAREW CHILDREN’S CANCER GOLF CLASSIC
More than 250 golfers turned out for the 14th annual Rod Carew Children’s Cancer Golf Classic over both the north and south courses of Coto de Caza Golf Club on Monday, Aug. 24.
Over $130,000 was raised to help the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation of Irvine, CA fund research to improve the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with cancer and ultimately find a cure for pediatric cancer. The 18 holes of golf were followed by a silent auction of over 200 items, an opportunity drawing and a dinner program that included 13 live auction items*.
Multi-talented Roy Firestone provided the post-dinner entertainment with his unique multi-media show of sports bloopers, impersonations and original musical productions geared to members of the audience. Auctioneer Jim Nye served as master of ceremonies.
The biggest ovation was saved for seven-year-old golfer Kyle Lagrasso. The budding Tiger Woods learned to play golf as an infant watching televised matches. He was stricken with cancer at 18 months of age and lost one eye due to his illness, but hits the ball more than 150 yards, usually straight down the fairway. His goal is to become a professional golfer.
Carew, the Hall of Famer with seven American League batting championships among his accomplishments, has supported the PCRF since losing his daughter, Michelle, to cancer in 1996. Carew and Firestone, the former sportscaster and host of Up Close on ESPN for more than a decade, provided a good portion of the more than 100 sports memorabilia items up for auction.
Cary and Michelle Sarnoff and Professional Mediation & Arbitration were the presenting sponsors for the event.
*Homes provided by Vacation Homes for Charity (VH4C) sold easily, contributing to the overall success. The first home to sell is in Belize and sold for $2,400. The second home, Casa Ramon, sold for $4,250. Thank you VH4C and property managers, Las Terrazas Resort and Jorge Retana/John Powers.