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PORTLAND, Ore. – March 12, 2008 - Oregon has one of the highest incidence rates of MS in the country according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Caddies 4 Cure, a Portland-based non-profit, has raised more than $70,000 for the care and support of local residents with MS, and toward finding a cure for the disease. Their contribution to the Oregon Chapter, National MS Society is the result of funds raised at the annual Caddies 4 Cure celebrity golf tournament and auction four years running.
On Wednesday, March 12th, during National MS Awareness Week, Caddies 4 Cure co-founder and co-director, Ryan DuChene, presented long-time National MS Society client and volunteer, Bill McPherson, with a new Pace Saver Eclipse Premier Four-Wheeler. The Oregon Chapter purchased the new scooter with proceeds from last year’s Caddies 4 Cure live auction. The scooter was auctioned as a “Bid For a Cause” item at the July 19, 2007 event attended by celebrity guests, Portland/ Vancouver-area businesses, philanthropists and sponsors. The event broke the previous year’s record for donations raised. DuChene was joined in Wednesday’s presentation by 2007 Caddies 4 Cure Celebrity Golf Classic participant, pro-bowl quarterback, Derek Anderson.
Presenting a new scooter to Bill today is an example of what can happen when people come together to chip-in,” said DuChene. “At Caddies 4 Cure, we believe any contribution can make a difference, whether it’s money, time or talent. Our goal has always been to make an impact with the charities we serve, and help to develop new philanthropists in our community.” Scooter recipient Bill McPherson, accompanied by golden retriever, Queen Samantha, is a tireless Oregon Chapter volunteer. He has raised more than $14,000 for the Oregon Chapter, National MS Society since 1995. Bill had been utilizing a scooter from the Oregon Chapter’s Equipment Loan Closet. When Bill took the scooter in for repair recently, the technician noted that it was in poor shape and that he should see about re-visiting the Loan Closet for an upgrade. Word got out and the Chapter selected Bill as the recipient of the Caddies 4 Cure scooter. The Oregon Chapter selected a four-wheel model because it is the most stable of the models and will accommodate Bill’s active lifestyle as a minister and outdoor enthusiast.
In addition to the funds raised for the Oregon Chapter, National MS Society, a portion of Caddies 4 Cure proceeds benefit Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital. Similar to the Oregon Chapter scooter donation, Caddies 4 Cure’s donation to Legacy Emanuel this year included a “Bid For a Cause” item. Later this month, the hospital will receive a new Wii Fun Center for the children to play with during their time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The 2008 Caddies for Cure Celebrity Golf Classic kicks off Thursday, June 19th, with A Night To Chip In at the Tiger Woods Center on Nike’s Beaverton campus. The event will feature a silent auction, live auction, dinner, celebrity book signings, and a celebrity golf draft. On Friday, June 20th, Caddies 4 Cure will host the fifth annual Celebrity Golf Classic at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, Washington.
About Caddies 4 Cure
Caddies 4 Cure was established in 2002 by Justin Marquart and Ryan DuChene. Friends for more than 20 years, Justin and Ryan founded Caddies 4 Cure as a way to raise money for two charities close to their hearts, the Oregon Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital. In 2001, Ryan’s wife, Marci, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Ryan and Marci have become very involved with the Oregon Chapter, National MS Society, and hope that their charitable efforts will one day lead to a cure. The Ella Marie Marquart Fund benefits the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Emanuel Children’s Hospital. The fund is in honor of Justin and Lisa Marquart’s daughter, who passed away at one month of age from a congenital heart defect.
More information is available at www.caddies4cure.com <http://www.caddies4cure.com> .
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