Golf group helps fund fight against prostate cancer here

The Champions Golf Association at the Dunwoody Country Club was inspired 22 years ago to give back to research to help find a cure for prostate cancer. Through various fundraisers, the group raised money and donated to an organization that was supporting the cause.

But, when one of their own was diagnosed with prostate cancer, there was a realization about the lack of treatment in Atlanta. The group refocused its fundraising to a cause and center right at home, the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

“When John [Kauffman] was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he went out of state for treatment. Frustrated by a perceived lack of treatment in Atlanta, John became involved with the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University,” said David Anderson, chairman of the John H. Kauffman Fundraising Initiatives, Champions Golf Association.

In 2010, the group decided all funds raised by the golf association at DCC would solely benefit prostate cancer research at Winship. Additionally, this support allowed Winship to become the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia. The center provides not only cancer care, but also works with acclaimed universities on research toward a cure.

Kaufmann was theformerpresident of Atlanta-based Kauffman Tire Company, and a longtime member of Dunwoody Country Club. With his passing from cancer in 2013, the Champions decided unanimously to honor his legacy by naming all prostate cancer fundraising activities in his name.

This year, through various fundraising activities, the Champions Golf Association contributed $220,000 contribution in the name of the Kauffman to Winship. Matched dollar for dollar by Winship through its own fundraising efforts, the funds raised total $440,000. The proceeds will be used solely for innovative research by some of the world’s top oncologists and scientists working at Winship.

“What this group has been able to do in terms of fundraising and support has been phenomenal to Winship and its mission,” said Dr. Wally Curran, executive director of Winship. “We are so grateful and I do wish John could have been here when Winship was designated as a comprehensive care center, but his impact is felt through the DCC group and all that they do for us.”

Like the Champions Golf Association, people can give back to Winship through fundraising efforts or volunteering their time. The center is seekingvolunteers to work in hospitality, at the welcome desk, and more. Musicians are also welcome to Winship to share their talents.

“Itisexceedingly gratifying to be involved with a group of golfing friends, former leaders of Atlanta-area businesses, who take the time to help with this important cause,” shared Anderson. “It is wonderful to know that pilot studies funded by the Dunwoody Senior Men have ledto larger federal grants that support the testing of new approaches to detecting and managing prostate cancer at Winship locations throughout Atlanta.”

In other news: More than 30 Turner offices around the globe organized volunteer projects for the 18th annual Turner Volunteer Day. In Atlanta, more than 1,500 volunteers took part in the full day’s events, which include both on and off campus projects. Volunteers participated in activities such as building dining room tables, dressers and coffee tables for the homeless populations to support the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta: WMS, packaging raw materials to make nutritious meals to send to impoverished nations around the world in support of Rise Against Hunger,knitting and crocheting blankets for children in need with Project Linus, sorting donated food items at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, weeding, mulching and beautifying the Eastside Trail at the Historic Fourth Ward skatepark for the Atlanta Beltline and assisting with resident room makeovers, painting and light cleaning in residential areas, landscaping and meal preparation for the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.