Annual Coaches vs Cancer Golf Outing tee's off at Warren

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind – For 25 years, Coaches vs Cancer has been part of the Michiana community, giving back millions of dollars to the American Cancer Society.

The two-day event came to an end at Warren, where 129 participants had fun on the links, while raising money for a great cause. This comes after raising $485,000 Monday, at the Night of the Stars fundraiser.

The participants were split into teams of four, throughout 43 groups. The most ever to participate in the event. Helping to bring more attention to the outtings are Notre Dame Men's Basketball Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry. Shrewsberry lost his mother in-law to cancer and watched his mother beat the infectious, deadly disease.

"Each of us, like every single one of us is, has been affected. So, you know, we want to do more, we want to help as much as we can, but you know, even if you haven't been, there's a chance for you to do something, right. And that's why I say, you know, doing the small part, but you know, it means a lot to me, it means a lot to our family, but even our players, our staff, everybody in this community," Shrewsberry added.

But he's not alone. Former Notre Dame men's basketball player Dane Goodwin, who's playing for the Sacramento Kings (NBA) G-League team, is familiar with the uphill battle of cancer.

"My dad's kind of been through the through the cancer process as well so it hits home, hits close to home for me, and just kind of going through that process myself and just see so many inspiring stories around here and so many great people it's just great to be part of," Goodwin said.

Playing on the 7,000+ yards of green at Warren wasn't easy in the scorching heat, but for the Michiana community participants came together, regardless of their skill level.

It's an event that brings back the same participants every. Their dedication to Coaches vs Cancer has them circling the date on their calendar. Community members such as ABC57 Kickoff host Allison Hayes has shown her face and participated in the two-day event for years,

"We are so fortunate to be healthy, and to be out here and able to physically play golf. And we know there's so many people who are affected by cancer who may not have that same opportunity, but because the people out here are playing golf today. It's hopefully making a difference in and can save lives and get some of those people who are battling their fight and give them a chance to get out here on the golf course," Hayes added.

The goal is to continue raising as much money as possible. Last year the event raised $420,000. This year, $485,000. But w    hat's the ultimate goal? Celebration of Hope Event Chairman Rick Peltz had a rather interesting response.

"I don't want to have this event next year. I don't want to ever have this event. But I know that means that cancer's cured. And until cancer is cured, we're going to have this event and we're going to raise money and raise awareness. But my goal every year is to say, we're not doing it next year," Peltz sa