Catfish Classic Golf Tournament Gets Creative to Raise Funds

Hot air balloons, famous authors and eBay auctions add to the tournament’s appeal

October 30, 2006

The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter hosted its second annual ALS Catfish Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, October 16th, to benefit patients and families suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Like the 2005 Catfish Classic tournament, this year’s event sold out well before its first tee time at the Tournament Players Club at Wakefield Plantation. There were more than 140 golfers representing more than 30 companies competing for trophies, silent auction items and prizes, including a chance to win two BMWs, two Lexus’, lots of other prizes and a $10,000 putting contest.

In addition, a few new events were added to the schedule this year. 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 1,000 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.

Cold Mountain author Charles Frazier signed copies of his new release, Thirteen Moons, and his best-seller, Cold Mountain, in return for a donation to The ALS Association during the tournament reception. Frazier himself has been affected by ALS – his father-in-law suffered from the disease. Thirteen Moons is the follow up to Cold Mountain, which has sold more than four million copies.

Three lucky golfers also enjoyed a day of golf with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill coaching legend Dean Smith. This summer, the spots were auctioned off on eBay to support the cause. Three players from Salem Investment Counselors teamed up with Smith.

After play was over, golfers learned about ALS from Dr. Richard Bedlack, Director of the Duke University ALS Clinic, who addressed the crowd and spoke of the challenges of people living with the disease. Each player was encouraged to share what he or she had learned about ALS with others.  Neil Solondz, the voice of the Durham Bulls, served as emcee for the event which raised more than $75,000 for ALS research and patient services.