When the summer sun shines down on Oregon, the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) goes golfing. The seventh annual Golf for Joy event, led by Gay Davis, was yet again an incredible show of community. With the help of our generous partners, donors, and friends, the event has raised an astounding $300K and counting! Below are some of the highlights from the event.

Golfing for Joy with the Pros

The event began with 18 teams enjoying a day of golfing for charity at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. Teams of four amateurs were paired with a pro golfer and hit the course for two rounds of golf over two days. Rob Rashell and Bobby Kent and pros that traveled from TPC Scottsdale and Pasatiempo Golf Club respectively tied for first. Rob Rashell’s amateurs also placed first among the teams.

Kids Golf Clinic

CCA-served kids got the chance to putt and play with Golfzilla. The kids even got tips from the pros.

Going Going Gone

The auction, led by Mark Sepulveda, was a success, raising $47k alone! The auction included beautiful vacation packages to Hawaii and California, VIP sport experiences, access to exclusive golf courses, fishing trips, and other amazing items.

The Zuniga Family 

The family guests for the evening were the parents of two-year-old CCA Hero, Sol. Sol was diagnosed with high-risk stage IV neuroblastoma and has already gone through multiple rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant. Her parents, Andy and Ruth, spoke passionately about Sol’s experience and how CCA has become an extension of their family through difficult times.

“When we met with our social worker [at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital], among all the papers they brought, one of the things that caught my attention was the Chemo Pal Program. It was the only form we filled out that day. The music program was there for us too. They came to our room and sang her to sleep. Those little moments are what counts. CCA let us be a normal family for a few moments. We know when the purple shirt comes it means joy. Joy can heal.” –Ruth Zuniga

Gay Davis’ #BirdieChallenge

The following day, Gay Davis was on the course at 5:00 am taking his first swing. His goal: to make as many birdies as possible in one day and raise money for CCA. Gay walked an incredible 45 miles, played 144 holes of golf and made 22 birdies. A special thanks to Gay for his continued dedication to the cause and congratulations for completing his 7^th year of Golf for Joy!

CCA Hero, Sierra Archer, also woke up bright and early to talk about her experience with CCA and why it was so important during her treatment. Watch the interview by clicking on the image below.

Thank you

A round of applause to the following for helping this event come together!

Golf for Joy has come to a close for the year, but you can still help. Donate to the Children’s Cancer Association today and don’t forget to check out some of our upcoming summer events.