Teeing Off Against Cancer Drives Fundraising

By Drew Haig

(SPRINGFIELD, PA) –The third annual Teeing Off Against Cancer Golf outing, presented by LifeBrand and Huntingdon Valley Bank, was a great success for the HEADstrong Foundation in 2020. Despite the obstacles of COVID-19, nearly $60,000 was raised towards HEADstrong’s mission of improving lives affected by cancer.

October 15th was a beautiful sunny day, and the warm fall thus far has kept the Springfield Country Club in mid-season form with luscious fairways and fast greens. Over 120 golfers joined the sold-out event, typically held in July, that was pushed to the fall because of the national pandemic. The goal of the event is to provide a positive outlet and fundraising opportunity for many of our donors, while enjoying a round of golf at a renowned club local to the event sponsors. Golfers checked in just before noon, with masks on and temperatures taken before perusing the numerous product, raffle, and silent auction items up for sale. As expected, the mulligan offering as well as the donated Calaway driver and golf bag were hot ticket items for all who joined.

Typical of an event at capacity, the golfers began with a shotgun start after warm words of welcome from HEADstrong President Cheryl Colleluori, as well as LifeBrand CEO Thomas J. Colaiezzi. Golfers played a scramble style 18-holes, with a -11 going to the winning foursome of
TJ Colaiezzi, Robert Spross, Joe Celia, and Steve Banes.

Of course, there were similarly fun competitions throughout the day as well. Newcomer Peyton Bosco crushed his driver, winning a Chapps Beef platter for 20 guests through the Longest Drive contest. In a similar vein, long-time supporter Jim Ferris won the Closest to the Pin contest with a terrific iron shot that landed just a few feet short of the par 3, 8th hole, which won him a new range finder.

The golf was followed by a dinner and presenting ceremony. Winners of the various silent auction items, which included sports memorabilia, trips, golf attire and more, were announced and provided with their winnings. Likewise, the raffle winners were announced with prizes such as a massage, free family photography portraits, club covers and local restaurant gift cards.

Finally, Cheryl Colleluori wrapped up the evening with a check presentation to the Cloran family. Jack Cloran, who could not be present, is an 18-year old cancer fighter and athlete who had to have his leg removed due to his aggressive cancer. His parents accepted the check on his behalf, and the direct to patient service component of the event moved the once rowdy crowd into a thoughtful round of applause.

You can view photos from the event by visiting HEADstrong’s Facebook page!

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