18 Fore Life – by Cory Blocker

In late 1999, a few people got together and thought up the idea of a benefit golf tournament. We wanted to do something good, something simple, and something to genuinely help people in need. The V-Foundation seemed like the perfect charity to donate to. Named after the legendary Coach Jim Valvano, the organization has its own team of doctors who do nothing but research a cure for cancer of all kinds. The V-Foundation has an inspiring motto that fits the spirit of 18 FORE Life as well;  “Don’t Ever Give Up!”

In our “rookie” year, we intended to send all of the money we raised to the V-Foundation. After playing in the golf tournament, a local sponsor asked if we kept any money local. That great question sparked a terrific idea and turned 18 FORE Life into something more than just a simple fundraiser for the V-Foundation. From that day forward, we would still support the V-Foundation, but we would keep the majority of our earnings and give them away locally to families battling cancer in the form of what we call “love offerings”. These love offerings, along with a note of hope, love, and encouragement not only give inspiration to the families that receive them, but also provide the motivation to an army of volunteers who are constantly working to do more. In 2013, 18 FORE Life sent out their 1 millionth dollar to local cancer patients. We continue to have fun and raise money to help families fight cancer.

Each year, the 18 FORE Life charity golf event became the first tournament our local golfers circled on the calendar to play. It didn’t take long for our tournament to reach it’s max of 84 teams. We no longer have a sign up….we simply have golfers wanting their spot back from the year before.

18 FORE Life is more than just a golf tournament. We also have a bowling tournament, fishing tournament, Hits for Hope volleyball games, Claus for a Cause event where local children get to meet the real Santa Claus, mouse races and a Kentucky Derby Party.

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