Athletes and Celebrities Raise More than $250,000 at Sixth Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament

Professional athletes and celebrities from across New England came together with local business leaders and members of the community to participate in the Sixth Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament – an event that raises funds to support cancer patients and their families throughout the region.

The tournament, hosted by the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) and held at the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, Mass., raised more than $250,000. 

Funds raised at today’s tournament – co-hosted by Patriots’ co-captain Matthew Slater – will support the Foundation, providing help, hope, and a reason to smile for those battling cancer with financial and emotional support when it is needed most.

The Foundation provides grants that help patients and their families pay pressing bills so that they can focus on what’s truly important – getting better. The Foundation also funds pediatric brain cancer research at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

JAF supporters, athletes and celebrities, many of whom have participated since the inaugural fundraiser in 2008, included current and former players Nate Solder, Tebucky Jones, Jerrod Mayo and Duran Harmon. Several celebrities, including professional boxer John Ruiz, actor Kevin Chapman and comedian Dave Russo, also played to support the Foundation.  

Bypassing last year’s fundraising total, JAF will reach more patients and their families than ever before. The tournament’s fundraising success is due in large part to a spectacular roster of participating sponsors, including 2014 presenting sponsor East Commerce Solutions Inc. 

“Every year I am amazed by the generosity and support of our constituents, and this year exceeded my expectations,” said Joe Andruzzi, who co-founded the Joe Andruzzi Foundation with his wife, Jen, after recovering from non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s Lymphoma seven years ago. “My family has personally experienced the impact of cancer, and I know firsthand how important the funds we raised today are to the families we support.” 

Golfers enjoyed the premier courses at Pinehills Golf Club, rated one of the “Top 10 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. Post play, the foursomes convened in the clubhouse for a cocktail reception, auction, dinner and tournament award presentation – as well as a moving speech by Michael Walsh, a 48-year-old JAF patient recipient, who spoke about his five-year battle with stage IV Colon Cancer and the impact of JAF’s financial support. 

“The continued success of this fundraiser is possible only because of the support from the New England community, our dedicated sponsors, supporters and friends,” continued Andruzzi. “Everyone’s contributions are vital to the success of the Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

To learn more about the Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament or other upcoming events for the Foundation, visit www.joeandruzzifoundation.org.