The Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Second Annual South Florida Golf Invitational Raised Over $410,000 to Support Science to Eradicate the Disease
- Durée & Company
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Golfers took a swing for a promise at the Lymphoma Research Foundation's Second Annual South Florida Golf Invitational on May 5. Supporters put their golf skills to the test at the iconic La Gorce Country Club, one of the most exclusive private golf clubs in the United States, designed by Jack Nicklaus, while being a catalyst in finding cures.
The annual event raised over $410,000 towards fulfilling Lymphoma Research Foundation’s mission to realize the promise of science to eradicate lymphoma and serve the community touched by this disease. The Lymphoma Research Foundation is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to funding lymphoma research and supporting the lymphoma community through evidence-based education, support services and resources. Proceeds support the Foundation’s partners who save lives every day by powering breakthroughs in research that cure blood cancers and directly support cancer patients in need.
With just 72 participants, the exclusive tournament highlights the Foundation’s strong donor base and offered players a unique, intimate experience. The event kicked off with breakfast, while players warmed up on the driving range. The shamble-style tournament commenced with a shotgun start. Golfers enjoyed lunch, an open bar and a hole-in-one challenge to win a Cadillac Escalade generously donated by Murgado Automotive Group. After the final hole was played, players gathered in the La Gorce clubhouse for a networking cocktail reception and enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and the event’s signature cocktail, “Passion for a Change.” The evening continued in the ballroom for the awards ceremony and an impressive culinary spread, including fresh sushi, a carving station, assorted pastries and a build-your-own sundae station. Guests listened to guest speakers, including Dr. John Leonard, member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Board of Directors and past Chair of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Dr. Adrienne Moul, lymphoma survivor and longtime supporter of the Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who ‘putted for a purpose’ at our Second Annual South Florida Golf Invitational at the stunning La Gorce County Club,” said Meghan Gutierrez, the CEO of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. “Every five minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with lymphoma. This fun and meaningful day on the green wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our co-chairs Leigh and Cory Olson, our committee, board members, sponsors and donors who share our commitment to advancing science, eradicating lymphoma and supporting the community affected by this disease.”
Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer in adults, the most common cancer type for adolescents and young adults and the third most common cancer overall among children. More than one million people in the country are living with, or in remission from, lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Co-chaired by Leigh and Cory Olson, the Second Annual South Florida Golf Invitational honored Walter J. Andrews, partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth, LLP, with the Foundation’s Advocate Award. Recognized as a leader for insurance dispute resolution by Chambers USA and recommended for his advice to policyholders by Legal 500, Andrews focuses his practice on complex insurance recovery, counseling, arbitrations, litigation and expert witness testimony.
The 2025 Benefit Committee included Walter J. Andrews, Laurie and Steve Davis, Barbara Freundlich, Christopher Gorelik, Patricia Kaine, Leah and John Leonard, MD and Ann Singer.
The Second Annual South Florida Golf Invitational’s Presenting Sponsor was Leigh and Cory Olson. The Platinum Sponsors were Laura and Lloyd Blankfein, Patricia Kaine Family and Allison and Howard Lutnick. The Gold Sponsors were the Connors Family (Connors Capital LLC) and Laura and Michael Werner. The foursome sponsors were Kenneth C. Griffin and Kimberly and Kevin Shea. The Hole Sponsors were Walter J. Andrews, Stone Point Capital, Jean and Steven Eichberg, Barbara Freundlich, Green Family Foundation, the Prince Family Foundation, Christopher Gorelik, Kristi and Liam Hendriks (Hendriks’ Heroes), Terri and Jeff Krasnoff, Selma and Jeffrey Newman (NPC Financial), Miriam and David Phalen, Madhvi and Ramesh Subrahmanian, Chike Springer Foundation, Starwood Property Trust, and Robert Werner. The hole-in-one sponsor was Murgado Automotive Group.