Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational Proceeds Top $1 Million
Sunday, June 01, 1997
After seven years and seven tournaments, proceeds from Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational golf tournaments topped the $1 million mark.
This fund holds all proceeds from past Invitational tournaments, as well as from individual and corporate contributions. All proceeds are being used to support patient-centered research.
"This is a significant milestone toward cancer research," says James M. Slater, MD, FACR, head, Proton Treatment Center, and executive director, Cancer Institute. "We are very appreciative to Ken Venturi for his generous and consistent dedication to Loma Linda, and to proton therapy and cancer research."
On Sunday, May 18, the Proton Charity Invitational was again sold out--this year drawing more than 136 players to The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, California. Here, Invitational host Ken Venturi, golf analyst for CBS Sports, presented a golf clinic before the tournament.
Added to the $450 per player registration fees were corporate sponsorships of more than $150,000 and contributions from alumni, patients, and previous donors totaling some $16,457.
On Sunday, the major sponsors were once again invited to participate in a sponsor recognition tournament which serves as a warm-up to the Proton Charity Invitational. The tournament was again held at Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
The Invitational continues to be held at The Club at Morningside, the first Jack Nicklaus "signature" course in the desert. It is known for its reputation as being one of the elite courses in that area.
Morningside is an exclusive, private country club which only hosts two charity tournaments every year. The Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational is fortunate to be one of the two.
"Every year, Mr. Vern Fraser, the club's golf professional, and his staff ensure that the event runs smoothly," says Jack L. Boren, MA, director of special projects and Invitational executive committee member. "We are eternally grateful for their hospitality and continued support of Loma Linda."
In his remarks during the luncheon, Mr. Venturi said: "It is my plan to continue hosting this Invitational and supporting Loma Linda as they conduct research enabling them to treat more patients and more disease sites with proton therapy."
