On a sweltering, 95-degree day in June, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club co-founder, Gay Davis, teed off the 8th annual Golf for Joy fundraiser. It was a three-day event where golfers braved heat, rain, and even thunderstorms, but none of that deterred them from raising nearly $350,000 for the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA)!

Golfing Like the Pros

The Pro-Am helped start the event on the right note, bringing golf pros from across the country together in support of CCA. Golfers traveled from Australia, New Orleans, California, Florida, Utah, and more for two days of friendly competition. Rob Gibbons from Arrowhead Golf Club came in first in the Pro competition and Craig Sarlo’s team from Ogden, Utah took the top spot for the amateur teams.

A Night for Family and Friends

After the first day of play, CCA-served children and their families arrived at the course for their own lesson in golf. 2018 CCA Hero, Lyla stole the show with her excellent aim and adorable golfing attire.

Reconnecting with CCA

Dinner that night included a master of ceremonies, John Grothe, a CCA Ambassador Board member and golf professional at Willamette Valley Country Club.

We were honored at the event by guest speaker Will Carey, a CCA-served father. At the age of seven, Will’s son, Jack, died from an inoperable brain tumor. The months leading up to Jack’s last day were tumultuous, gut-wrenching and went by much too quickly. They made the most of their time together, but it wasn’t easy. During a trip to Disneyland, when Jack was in immense pain, Will felt they had made a colossal mistake, but in that exact moment, CCA knocked on their door… Listen to his story below.

A huge thank you to Will for sharing his story, and we are proud to say he is now a member of CCA’s Ambassador Board generously sharing his story with our community.

Hammer Price

The auction this year was led by auctioneer Steve Dorsey and included luxurious packages to international destinations, Hawaii, Scottsdale, and even a trip to meet the cast and crew of Modern Family.

Finishing Strong

As a show of endurance, Gay then golfed 102 holes, which is about 23 miles that he walked or jogged in one day.

“Nothing tugs at my heartstring more than a child with cancer, it’s just not a fair fight,” said Gay. “CCA’s innovative programs deliver joy to kids and families through music, nature, friendship, and resources. Their critical work supports families who need more than medicine – they need joy.”

Gay and his wife Judi are long-time supporters of CCA. The seed for Golf for Joy was planted when Gay set out to combine two of his favorite passions: golf and helping kids. What started as a one-man golf marathon, walking six rounds in a single day, has grown to a three-day celebration that’s raised more than $1 million for CCA.

“Gay’s dedication to helping kids and families facing devastating diagnoses is unmatched,” said Regina Ellis, CCA Founder, and Chief Joy Officer. “We are humbled and inspired by the Davis family’s compassion and generosity and are honored to call them our dear friends.”

Thank you

First and foremost, we’d like to thank Gay Davis for another impressive year. He brings his tight-knit community together to celebrate joy, and it makes an immense difference for our programs. We’d also like to thank the following partners for their contributions to the event and dedication to our mission.

Did you miss the chance to attend Golf for Joy? Check out all our upcoming summer events, many of which are family friendly!