Golfers Against Cancer Yields $900,000 For Cancer Research Bush and Hilfman Honored

Video of George Herbert Bush (large file size - thsi link will open Windows Media player or Quicktime)

HOUSTON, TX (for immediate release), December 2001. In another record-setting year for their golf tournament and gala, the Golfers Against Cancer raised over $900,000 for cancer research. GAC Co-Chairman Pat Weston said he and the GAC Board couldn't be more pleased with the results, especially during these difficult times. We were concerned that we'd having difficulty generating the enthusiasm needed to make such an undertaking successful," according to Weston. But after a Board meeting held soon after September 11, we decided the right thing to do would be continue the tradition. "And now, of course, we're glad we did."

In addition to all of the hard work done by so many GAC volunteers, the naming of George Herbert Bush as GAC Honorary Recipient for 2001 played an important part in the event's success, according to Weston. "And Dave Hilfman, this year's GAC Person of the Year, has been instrumental in Continental Airline's continued support of the GAC through their representation as Presenting Sponsor," Weston continued.

GAC Co-Chair Bobby Jones echoed Weston's remarks. "There are so many to thank -- Allen Riley of Outback Steakhouse who catered the post tournament dinner; the Houston BMW Group who worked hard all year and arranged for the donation of a sporty new BMW Z3 Roadster to be given away on behalf of Houston BMW dealers; and Everett Bernal and his staff, from Highland Threads, whose hard work and generosity, as usual, went above and beyond the call of duty. Without these folks, the level of success the GAC has achieved would be virtually impossible," Jones said.

Weston added that Continental Airlines and the Houston BMW Group have both agreed to continue their support of the tournament and gala in 2002.

All proceeds from the GAC, which is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, go directly toward cancer research. Such groups as CapCURE, M.D. Anderson, Susan G. Komen and the Stehlin Foundation have benefited from research funds donated by the GAC.

The GAC was created in 1997 by a small group of members of the Deerwood Club in Kingwood. Inspired by the late Dave Roberts, original member of the group, and Mike Longpré , Deerwood Club Professional and cancer survivor, tournament donations and corporate contributions have increased from $80,000 that first year to this year's total of $900,000.

"Although we fell short of our million dollar goal, everyone should be proud of what was accomplished this year, especially under these difficult times," according to Weston. "And we're especially proud that our total contributions to date now exceed $2.5 million dollars."

The GAC holds their gala and golf tournament each year in November, the weekend before Thanksgiving. Plans are already under way to organize next year's event. The gala is held at the Humble Civic Center and the golf tournament, which now fills five courses, is held at the Deerwood Club and all four courses at nearby Kingwood Country Club. The Houston Golf Association is instrumental in helping to both organize and carry out a number of administrative functions for the GAC. To learn more about the GAC or to find out what you can do to help, go to the GAC Web Site, www.golfersagainstcancer.org.