Chalmers’ Golf Classic a success!
MARIO CHALMERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF CLASSIC A HUGE SUCCESS. By Wayne Hodges
LAWRENCE, Kan – Anybody up for a few holes of golf? Man, the golf clubs were out in unison during the inaugural ‘National Championship Golf Classic’ at Alvamar Country Club in Lawrence, Kan. The spectacular event, held on July 31, was presented by the ‘Mario V. Chalmers Foundation.’
Yes, that Mario. Remember him? The highly recruited sharp-shooter from Alaska calmly swished the game-tying three-point shot in the 2008 NCAA Finals to send the Jayhawks to overtime against Memphis University. And the rest, as I’m sure you remember, is history.
Fast forward to 2009, and Chalmers, now starting point guard for the NBA’s Miami Heat, continues to capture the hearts of Lawrence residents. “I would like to thank each of you for joining my family and I for the kick off of the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation,” said Chalmers during his opening remarks.
“My motivation is partly charged by my determination to use my success to help people of all walks of life to beat this deadly disease called cancer.”
Whether it be family, friends, or neighbors; cancer has touched all of us in some form or fashion. And the outlook becomes even direr in the event of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer for women in the United States.
In 2008, approximately 182,000 women were diagnosed with the disease. And the epidemic has created a mind-boggling 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today.
Mario Chalmers hit the biggest shot in KU history
Nevertheless, Chalmers plans to do everything possible to help reduce these numbers. And he wants you on board as well. “I challenge you to be inspired and join my team as we join forces in recognizing the importance of helping to find a cure for cancer,” added Chalmers.
In addition to Kansas Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self, a few former players were on hand to lend support as well. New York native Russell Robinson was in the house. Aaron Miles, originally recruited to Kansas by former head coach Roy Williams, was also present.
Most of the inspiration behind the event was spurred by the passing of Pauline Peterson, a dear family friend of the Chalmers. Pauline, after a long battle with breast cancer, passed away on November 27, 2006. Her husband, Robert Peterson, was certainly present. And I enjoyed my conversation with him.
“She was a joy and inspiration to us all,” said Mr. Peterson. “She’ll live forever in our memory.” Mario, KUDOS for a job well done.
See you at next year’s event.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He also serves as District Committee Delegate in Johnson County, he’s a Democrat reporter for the Examiner, and he’s an adjunct professor in Kansas City. Wayne welcomes your comments 24/7 at whodges@massappealnews.com
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August 10th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I heard the Golf Classic was an instant success. Its good to see Mario back back at home at KU. We will never forget “The Shot.” Keep up the good work Mario
August 10th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Everybody is picking Kansas to win it all. And you know what??? We will. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!!!
August 11th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Wayne, sounds like it was alot of fun. It’s nice to see Mario giving back to the community. We love him here in Lawrence and we wish him continued success in the NBA.