How to Tee-Off Your First Event
By Foster the CURE
Our dad, Jim Foster was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 16, 2011 and lost his battle 4 months later at 56 years old. He was a husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and respected colleague. He was a truly genuine person and always put his family first. He deserved a lot more time than he was ultimately given. We knew the prognosis was grim but fought with him for those four months and when he lost his battle, we knew we couldn’t stop fighting. “Foster the CURE” was formed to help raise funds for pancreatic cancer research to hopefully allow someone else to thrive with their life in a way that our dad couldn’t.
After the success of our local rummage sale in 2012, we began setting our sights even higher so this year held our first golf tournament! We pulled together as a team and were able to make our first tournament, which included a luncheon and raffle, a success. Everyone associated with Foster the CURE believes that one day all of the good that the Hirshberg Foundation is doing will be able to provide a cure for pancreatic cancer. Our dad wasn’t given that chance and when you lose hope, you lose your life. We will continue to fight for our dad and raise money for the Hirshberg Foundation so that others won’t lose hope.
Here are some tips we learned when planning our event:
Why a Golf Event? We wanted to do something that honored our dad. He loved to golf so the golf tournament idea began.
Accept a Helping Hand… Dad golfed at the Sun Valley Golf Course and they were very helpful in planning the tournament with us. We all divided up the duties of the golf tournament so one person wouldn’t get overwhelmed.
Set Goals… On top of creating awareness we wanted to get out there and raise as much money as we could. We were able to obtain sponsors including a local hospital, hotel, businesses, and a local family (the Koch’s).
Get the Word Out… We did interviews with all the local news stations and a local radio station that interviewed us ran our PSA up to the day of the event.
Try Something New… We started a facebook page for Foster the CURE and regularly posted updates!
Challenge Yourselves… We accomplished things we’d never done before by working with the golf course, planning logistics & rules, registering golfers, requesting raffle prizes, approaching sponsors, and more.
Overcome Obstacles… Before the tournament it began to rain and didn’t stop. It wasn’t enough to postpone the event and the golfers stuck it out and went through the course like it was sunny and 85 degrees!
Thank Supporters… We thanked sponsors by placing signs at each hole, using social media, and in writing. We offered golfers additional items including a team memorabilia photo at the first hole, lunch, and the winning team received a trophy. We appreciated the golfers sticking it out with us and next year can only be better!
Foster the CURE consists of Jim Foster’s family – his wife: Karen Foster, his children: Brandi Duerksen, Monica Colella, Kristin Casotti, and Jamie Foster, and his children’s spouses and his grandchildren.
