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Kathy’s scoop on why many are taking a swing at it.
There’s a new twist to an annual fundraiser and it could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered, so to speak. That’s because The National Kidney Foundation’s Cadillac Golf Classic in Arizona will be presented this year by Gila River Gaming Enterprises. Casino and golfers will tee off this year on November 18, at its Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler on the breathtaking Devil's Claw course known for its sweeping elevation changes and dramatic bunkering.
Not only does this event raise significant dollars for research and awareness for those affected by kidney disease, but the event’s new presenting sponsorship of Gila River Gaming Enterprises- is exciting. In addition to the entertaining twists to tournament, there will be a tasting out on the course prepared by Don Shula’s American Steak House at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
The members of the top three winning competitive teams will receive the opportunity to advance to the NKF Golf Classic Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California in January, 2012. Last year’s chairman for the Phoenix NFK tournament, Dr. Savas Petrides, a nephrologist with Arizona Kidney Disease & Hypertension Centers; was on that winning team and is pictured above with his team-mates (Gil Long, Paul Steinmetz, and Tom Sydenham.) They went on to play in last year’s Classic Championship in Pebble Beach.
Carolyn Williams and Jeffrey Neff at Chase Field
In addition to the invitation to attend the Championship in Pebble Beach, the first place competitive team receives a voucher for air fare. However, golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to play in the tournament, and the top-non-competitive teams will be awarded as well.
At the recent kick-off party about 75 committee members, sponsors and prospective golfers mingled in a suite at a Diamondbacks game in Phoenix. Prior to game start there was a check presentation on the field. Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Gila River, Carolyn Williams presented the sponsorship check to, Jeffrey Neff, the CEO of Arizona Kidney Foundation.
This year’s Phoenix tournament is being chaired by Andy Davis of Defero and Kevin Marinan of Marathon Resources, Inc. The event’s other sponsors include Arizona Kidney Disease & Hypertension Center, Coulter Motor Company Tempe, Genentech, Isagenix and Davita/SKI. Among the several committee members are Kara Abbas, Gerald Boyd, Jerry Austin, Marcy Hewlett, Dick Jacobs, Gil Long, Bruce Meyer, Karen Miller, Dr. Savas Petrides, Chris Rhodes, Dough Uhl, and Bob Wickers.
In addition to the Cadillac Hole in One challenge, a PING rep will be on the driving range showing drivers and there will be a free Putting Contest. Miss Arizona United States 2011 Rachelle McCray will also be attending. In her role as Miss Arizona United States 2011 Rachelle has adopted the platform of education on kidney disease and an advocate for living organ donation.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Phoenix based writer. If you have a good item for The AZ Insider, you can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
