Proton Charity Invitational Marks 10-Year Anniversary
Friday, September 01, 2000
After a full decade of tournaments, proceeds from the Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitationals have topped $1.5 million. Proceeds from this year's invitational have led to full endowment of the Loma Linda University Ken Venturi proton therapy cancer research endowment as of May 22, the date of the event.
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 proton 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. He added that he would like to see this figure become $4.5 million.
"We agree this should be our next milestone," James M. Slater, MD, FACR, chair, department of radiation medicine, added.
Once again, the Loma Linda University Proton Charity Invitational was sold out—drawing 128 players to The Club at Morn ingside 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 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," Mr. Venturi says. "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. 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."
