Optimist's Golf Tournament Benefits Children's Healthcare

CUMMING, GA — The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club contributed $9,000 to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Forsyth County. The donation was made possible by the club's 2021 charity golf tournament held at Chestatee Golf Club. Tournament proceeds also benefit the club's community programs for children. The check was presented to Laurie Cole, community development officer at Children's Healthcare.

“Thank you to our friends at the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club for making the 9th annual golf tournament benefiting our Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center the best one yet," Cole said. "Each year, this tournament becomes a little more special than the one before, and this year our young patient ambassador was definitely a highlight. Thank you so much to all the golfers, sponsors, and businesses for their continued support. We look forward to seeing everyone next year as the Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club celebrates their 10th golf tournament!”

Brenda Basey, club president, said that each year she is honored to chair the event, and each year she is amazed at the continued support from the community.

"This has become a favorite tournament of so many golfers and sponsors," Basey said. "I am humbled to be able to continue to put this together and know that next year, our 10th, will be more amazing and give even more for the fight against childhood cancer. A huge thank you to all the sponsors and participants who supported the tournament!

“For the past few years, we have had a Children’s Healthcare child ambassador represent our club at the tournament,” Basey said. “This year it was 7-year-old Asher Rock. He was such an inspiration for our event and our golfers! In a few words that morning before the golfers went out, he touched everyone there and had such an impact on the entire day.”

Basey said that at 4-months-old, Asher was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in his right eye. It is a life-threatening childhood cancer. He has had more than 60 eye exams under anesthesia and several surgeries. He now has vision in only one eye.

The Sawnee-Cumming Optimist Club meets the first and third Thursday evenings of each month. For information about Optimists, contact club President Janna Shacklett at janna9810@gmail.com.