BSF Golf & Tennis Classic
The Brain Science Foundation’s First Annual Golf & Tennis Classic, “Tee It Up for Brain Tumor Research” was held on Monday, October 5, 2009 at Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee, MA. 
Twelve tennis players and 96 golfers participated in this first time event, and the event raised over $70,000 that will go directly to research to help eradicate meningiomas and other primary brain tumors. Top sponsors included “Eagle” Sponsor Suffolk Construction’s Red & Blue Foundation and “Birdie” Sponsors EFG International, Wachovia/Wells Fargo and the Kessler Family Foundation. Click here to view our full sponsor listing.
A beautiful, sunny autumn day on the course added to the success of the event. Participants arrived at Willowbend’s picturesque country club and enjoyed a delicious lunch sponsored by Ocean Spray Cranberries on the clubhouse’s exquisite terrace. Some warmed up at the driving range or putting green while others viewed silent auction items and signed up for several contests. At 12:00 sharp, the tennis players took to the courts for a round-robin style competition while the golfers headed out to the course for a scramble format tournament. All reported that it was a great day both on the course and on the courts.
Along the course, golfers had a chance to participate in several contests, adding a little fun competition to the day. Many had their eyes on the brand new Acura, provided by Herb Connolly Acura, which was the hole in one prize. Alas, the car did not find a new owner that day! Tim Telman and Gabbi Buerman each received Callaway putters for winning the Closest-to-the-Pin contest, and Phil Jameson and Karen Leavitt took home Callaway drivers for their top placement in the Longest Drive contest. Everyone enjoyed the “Chip Away Brain Tumors” chipping contest, where players were challenged to chip brain shaped stress balls into the cup. Carrington Clark and Joe Bowen came the closest, and were awarded Callaway wedges for their efforts. Players also had a chance to qualify for the “Shoot Out” competition based on the longest drive at the 7th.
At the end of play, everyone enjoyed the cocktail reception, sponsored by Ned Jalbert Interior Design. During the reception, guests had a chance to cheer on the Shoot Out qualifiers as they went head to head in the final competition. After a grueling shot across a water feature onto the green at the 18th, Jack Recco and John Murray won the contest.
The silent auction was a big hit, and many valuable items were donated to help with the fundraising effort. Tournament guests bid on such items as artwork, premium tickets to sporting and performing arts events, sports memorabilia, and a luxury vacation.
Guests were treated to a fabulous dinner in Willowbend’s exquisite dining room, sponsored by Woodmeister Master Builders. After dinner, Brain Science Foundation Founder Steven Haley addressed the crowd and thanked them for their efforts to help bring an end to meningiomas and other primary brain tumors. Steven congratulated the golf tournament champions, John T. Grady, Jr., Tim Telman, David Slye and Paul Houle, and tennis tournament champion, Kathy Curtiss. Winners were also announced for the 50/50 raffle and the bingo board contest. Chris Cooney won a set of Callaway irons in the Bingo Board contest, and Barbra Weisman won the cash prize in the 50/50 raffle. Ms. Weisman graciously donated her cash winnings to the cause. For a full listing of tournament results, click here.
The Brain Science Foundation was created by Steven Haley and his wife Kathleen following Steven’s treatment for meningioma in 1997. The BSF focuses on funding research for - and providing awareness of - meningiomas and other primary brain tumors. As Steven states, “without research, promising treatment and, ultimately, the prevention of tumors will not come anytime soon. Let’s expedite the whole process of exploration, research, diagnostics, treatment and education.” The BSF Golf & Tennis Classic was a first time event designed to spread awareness and raise much needed funding for research.
The BSF is pleased to announce that the Second Annual BSF Golf & Tennis Classic will be held at Willowbend Country Club on Monday, September 20, 2010. For more information, please contact Jim Corcoran at james@brainsciencefoundation.org or Sarah Donnelly at sarah@brainsciencefoundation.org.
A special thanks to our hardworking committee. Please view our photo gallery.