Proton Charity Invitational Marks 10 Years
Thursday, June 01, 2000
After a full decade of tournaments, proceeds from the Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitationals have topped $1.5 million.
The proceeds from this year's invitational held have led to full endowment of the Loma Linda University Ken Venturi proton therapy cancer research endowment as of May 22, the date the event was held.
This fund holds all invitational proceeds, as well as individual and corporate contributions.
All proceeds from the invitational support cancer research that impacts patient treatments with pro ton radiation therapy. Investigators are also using proton therapy for non-cancer applications.
"'I am delighted we have reached this first milestone of $1.5 million,' Ken [Venturi, sports golf analyst and announcer for CBS television] said at the luncheon as he pointed to the poster-size check," remembers James M. Slater, MD, FACR, chair, department of radiation medicine. "He added that he would like to see this figure become $4.5 million. We agree that this should be our next milestone."
Once again, the Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational was sold out--drawing 128 players to The Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage, California.
Mr. Venturi has been involved with the Invitational since it began in 1991. He presented a golf clinic before the tournament, and during the tournament he posed for a photograph with each golfer.
A highlight of the luncheon was the unveiling of the Venturi Cup. Created as a one-of-a-kind by the Waterford Crystal Company, the cup will be placed in a prominent location in the Proton Treatment Center as a tribute to Mr. Venturi and in recognition of the Invitational winners each year.
"It is inspiring to see the good being done at Loma Linda. My involvement during the past 10 years has stemmed not only from my friendship with Dr. Slater, but also from my admiration for him and his colleagues," Mr. Venturi says. "The success of the Proton Treatment Center and the Proton Charity Invitational comes from their loyalty, dedication, desire and determination to do something right and good for someone else. These people are my heroes. They give their whole lives to their work. I give only one day."
In spite of a humble attitude, Mr. Venturi was honored with a standing ovation during the luncheon following the Invitational for his generous commitment to helping with the tournament.
Participants were thrilled to hear Mr. Venturi dispel rumors that this would be his last year as host of the Invitational.
Mr. Venturi has been a golf analyst and journalist for CBS for 32 years and will retire from that position later this year. He is the longest-serving golf analyst on television and an acknowledged master of his craft.
"After 32 years I am retiring from CBS," Mr. Venturi acknowledged at the luncheon. "But I am not retiring from Loma Linda."
In appreciation for his years of service to the Proton Treatment Center, Mr. Venturi was presented with a Waterford crystal bowl.
"Ken Venturi has been a steadfast friend of Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Proton Treatment Center," says Dr. Slater. "He has been our champion--and the champion of our patients--in the profoundest sense of the word. The scope of his work and the depth of his concern can never be repaid."
On Sunday, major sponsors were once again invited to participate in a sponsor recognition tournament serving as a warm-up to the Proton Charity Invitational. More than 80 people participated. The event was again held at Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
The Invitational is 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 the desert.
The Club at Morningside is an exclusive, private country club which only hosts two charity tournaments each year. The Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational is fortunate to be one of the two.
"We are grateful for the tremendous support of The Club at Morningside and its staff. The Proton Charity Invitational's success during the past 10 years would not have been possible without the partnership of Morningside and Ken Venturi," says David Colwell, CFRE, director of development for Loma Linda University Medical Center and Invitational executive committee member.
