Inaugural Catfish Classic Golf Tournament A Huge Success!

The Inaugural Catfish Classic Golf Tournament raised over $54,000 and was a tremendous success!  Held on October 17, 2005, at the Tournament Players Club at Wakefield Plantation, the Classic sold out well before its first tee time.  There were over 130 golfers competing for trophies, silent auction items and prizes (including a chance to win 2 BMW’s and a $10,000 putting contest).  The participants and sponsors had a wonderful time playing this premiere course to support our Chapter.

Although we have been the beneficiaries of several golf tournaments in the past, this was the first time we took a swing at planning one on our own.  Our emcee for the event was none other than Neil Solondz, voice of the Durham Bulls.  Mrs. Jim “Catfish” Hunter (Helen) helped out throughout the day and addressed the group, expressing her gratitude for their participation.  Todd and Paul Hunter joined in the fun by playing in the tournament named for their father.  Bob “The Blade”, popular rock ‘n roll disk jockey from 106.1 WRDU took a break from the studio to help out with our cause.

Bob "The Blade", Paul Hunter and Todd Hunter

Of course we couldn’t let the players leave without a proper education about ALS.  Carol Adams, wife of PALS Will Marvel, addressed the crowd and spoke of the challenges they face everyday.  She also talked about the help that they have received from our Chapter.  Bucky Waters, sports legend and 2005 Lou Gehrig – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Humanitarian Award recipient, gave an inspirational keynote speech and challenged each player to take what they learned about ALS and share it with others.

The idea for the tournament originated with the committee chair, Wes Hare.  Wes lost his father-in-law to ALS and has been a committed donor, volunteer and friend of our Chapter for several years.  Wes recruited many dedicated people to serve on the committee including his sister-in-law, Terry Beal, who shares the same passion to find a cure.  Jenny Taylor served as the committee vice chair.  Jenny worked so hard to make the tournament a first class event investing countless hours to make sure that everything was done well.  Other dedicated members of the committee without whom the event would not have been successful include Art Hall, Kim Shope, Stephanie Ware, Cameron Sheffield, Chip Hutchinson, Brian French, Amme Fleming, Ann Walter, Bruce Roberts, Liz Carroll, Chris Overby, Paul Seiler and Shawna Black.

We are also extremely grateful to the volunteers of The Durham Bulls Baseball Club and all of our corporate, individual, auction and in-kind sponsors.  Please take a moment to view the list of Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors highlighted on the left.  Thanks to everyone’s hard work and generous support, our first tournament was a hole in one.  We hope you will join us next year!