Catfish Classic Golf Tournament & Golf Ball Drop Raise Funds

for The ALS Association – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter

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RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 16, 2007 – The ALS Association – Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter hosted its third annual ALS Catfish Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, to benefit patients and families suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Since 2005, the Chapter has raised more than $190,000 through the Catfish Classic.

The Catfish Classic tournament was held at the Tournament Players Club at Wakefield Plantation. Golfers representing more than 30 companies competed for trophies, silent auction items and prizes, including a chance to win two Lexus’.

At the end of the tournament, golfers and spectators watched a colorful hot air balloon lift off from the green. The hot air balloon then released more than 500 individually numbered golf balls over a designated cup on the practice field. These golf balls were sold for $10 each prior to the tournament to raise additional funds for the cause, and the owners of the golf balls landing closest to the pin received prizes, including a grand prize of $1,000. In an exciting twist, the $1000 grand prize winner, Brent Taylor, immediately donated his winnings back to the Chapter.

Neil Solondz, the voice of the Durham Bulls, served as emcee for the event. Wes Hare, Tournament Chairman, addressed the group during the reception following the tournament, expressing his gratitude for their participation. Todd Hunter also played in the tournament named for his father.

After play was over, golfers learned about ALS from Dr. Richard Bedlack, director of the Duke University ALS Clinic, who spoke of the challenges people face while living with the disease. He also spoke about the new partnership between his clinic and the ALS Association in addition to the exciting advances in ALS research.  Each player was encouraged to share what he or she had learned about ALS with others.

Funds raised from the 2007 ALS Catfish Classic will fund research and help people with ALS and their families cope through patient programs, financial grants for respite care, transportation, and assistive technology, as well as access to a durable medical equipment loan closet and patient support groups.