16th annual paxton’s golf outing for cancerfree Kids set a new high in funds raised for Kids Cancer Research

By Chuck Gibson

LOVELAND, OH (June 24, 2021) – The news started with “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! It was gratitude for all who participated in raising more than $84,000.00 for CancerFree Kids (CFK) at the 16th annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefitting CFK held at Hickory Woods Golf Course Saturday, June 12.

Whew!  That number smashed the previous record for net proceeds from the outing which will all go to CFK to fund kids cancer research. There were a whole lot of people to thank. Beyond the organizing committee members, all the sponsors, donors and those who placed bids in the silent online auction, there were the 256 participating golfers who hit the links. 

Yes, 256 golfers including 30 foursomes with storms threatening on Friday, and 34 teams teeing it up in intense heat and humidity on Saturday! 

Jill Brinck, Executive Director, CancerFree Kids expressed tremendous gratitude to all involved.

“We are blown away by the incredible results from the 16th Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing this year,” said Brinck. “We are truly grateful for the tremendous leadership and commitment from the volunteer committee that continues to innovate and create opportunities to drive increased impact to our mission.”  

If you talk to any of the golfers, you’ll hear the same thing over and over again. It was great. We had fun. I’m here for a good cause and a good time. It is a sentiment echoed throughout the 16 year history of this great event. Everyone is there for the kids, but yes some even enjoy the fruits of victory. 

This year was no different with the TQL team of Gary Carr, Joe Trusner, Matt Herring, and Aaron Crist taking the top spot with an 18-under par final tally. It was a close one though, with the team of Jerry Hollenkamp, Spencer Hollenkamp, Tony Chiodi,  and John Chiodi just one off the pace coming into the clubhouse at -17 for the day.

Most importantly, as noted in the message sent by Doug Ransom on behalf of the entire committee, Paxton’s Grill and CancerFree Kids, it took everyone involved to make it the best ever. . . by far.

“We offer a heartfelt thank you to the many who volunteered their time and talents to make this all happen –- we cannot do it without all of you,” wrote Ransom in the email message of thanks. “We raised more than $84,000 for much-needed research!  That is by far the highest amount ever, and more importantly, a testimony to how great Loveland and the surrounding community is, even during challenging times like these!”

A couple other fast facts from the outing worthy of note: Among all the fun opportunities on the course during the outing, several holes included additional challenges. Friday Hole’s #2, #4, #11 and #13 offered prizes for “Closest to the Pin” with Jamie Houton, Scott Brandenburg, and Dino Hill claiming the prizes. On Saturday, the same challenge was issued for “Closest to the Pin” on each of the same holes with Joe Morganroth, Leigh Fox, and Tom Richardson winners, but Jim Boyd was the biggest winner of all, not only coming closest to the pin on #13 Saturday, but in fact acing the hole with a HOLE-IN-ONE! You can’t get any closer than that folks. A good time was had by all.

“A big thanks to all the sponsors and golfers who came out and supported this year’s fantastic event!, Brinck said.”

Now, get ready for next year! Mark your calendars for 2022  

On Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, 2022  Paxton’s Grill will host the 17th annual Golf Outing to benefit CancerFree Kids. They hope to reach even higher numbers to help stamp-out childhood cancer!