CHICOPEE — On Monday, Aug. 26, the 25th Anniversary of the Ken O’Neill Dawn to Dusk Golf Marathon will take place at the Chicopee Country Club, 1290 Burnett Rd.
This annual event is a dedicated fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, with all proceeds supporting cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The event started after Chicopee Country Club Golf Director Mike O’Neill’s uncle, Ken, was diagnosed with colon cancer and wanted to do something to raise money for cancer research without hosting a tournament that would include a lot of expenses.
Ken asked Mike to participate in a golf marathon and in the first year, the two of them raised $26,000. Twenty-five years later, Mike said the event has raised over $700,000.
Since 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars to support cancer care and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The Ken O’Neill Dawn to Dusk Golf Marathon is proud to contribute to this ongoing mission.
This year, Mike will be playing 108 holes — six rounds of 18 holes — of golf in memory of family and friends who have been lost to cancer. The hope is to start around 6 a.m. and hopefully be done playing by 4 p.m.
“This marathon holds a special place in my heart,” said Mike. “It’s not just about playing golf; it’s about honoring those we’ve lost and supporting the fight against cancer. I’m deeply moved by the support this event has received over the years, and I’m committed to making a difference.”
Although Ken passed away 20 years ago, Mike and others wanted to continue doing the golf marathon and hosting the reception to honor those they lost due to cancer and raise money for future research.
Throughout the day, Mike will be joined by guest golfers, each of whom has a personal connection to the cause, having lost loved ones to cancer. He added himself, Thomas Burke and Dave Madsen have been there since year one to help keep this event going.
Mike said, “It’s rewarding,” to be able to continue putting together the event and added, “when you’re done golfing and see people at the reception afterwards and they’re all making donations and see some people there who have been through cancer themselves, maybe lost a family member, it’s rewarding. Makes you feel good that you did a good thing for a good cause.”
The event will conclude in the “109th Hole Reception” at 6 p.m. at The Boathouse in South Hadley, 1 Alvord St.
The reception will feature entertainment, food, an opportunity drawing and silent auction items.
Tickets for the reception are available for a $35 donation, and all are welcome to attend and support this cause.
Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/2yyfjy85 or a donation can be made to the Jimmy Fund which raises money for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at tinyurl.com/3c6d8f5d.
Businesses and individuals interested in becoming sponsors for this event are encouraged to contact Mike directly at 413-478-6409.
