May 23, 2013 PDF Edition - The Sentinel

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THE SENTINEL • THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013
PUTT-A-THON | from Page 1
against cancer, and that’s when the
mini golf idea began. Since then it
has grown each year. During the first
year the event raised $17,500, which
exceeded what the organizers had
hoped for. In the following years the
money just kept growing, as did the
tournament. In the following years
it raised $27,000, $37,000, $43,225,
$46,850, $51,050, $61,285 and last
year, $51,500. The seventh year saw
a tremendous amount of money raised
because Phaneuf’s sister, Mary Ellen,
had past away from the disease, and
there were a lot of memorial contributions
made in her name. Other
than that, the putt-a-thon has seen an
increase each year.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve
accomplished in the past nine years.
It gets bigger every year, with more
golfers and more money than ever
before,” said Phaneuf. “Each year
we’ve raised more money prior than
the year before…we have a lot to
accomplish next year to outdo this
year.”
Will Grogan, a representative from
the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute, was on hand to collect
the check for $55,000. He said
the putt-a-thon at Evergreene Golf has
set a precedent for all other mini golf
fundraising events.
“Jim wasn’t kidding when we at
Dana Farber say this is the best mini
golf fundraiser,” said Grogan, adding
that there are now about 10 other
tournaments because of the Bell &
Hudson event. “He is the person all
the other mini golf tournaments go to
for answers. He’s an incredible help.
Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank for Savings, left,
presents Bell & Hudson President Jim Phaneuf, right, with a check
for $5,000, as Evergreene Golf owners Barbara and Richard Greene
join them.
He’s really jump started the program.”
“This tournament has left a legacy…not
just with the money raised
here today, but across all the mini golf
tournaments,” said Grogan. “We truly
rely on the help of individual donors.”
Grogan said adding mini golf to the
fundraising events for the Jimmy Fund
and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has
allowed everyone, from young to old,
to get involved.
“This is a great way to get the
entire family, as well as non-golfers,
involved with the Jimmy Fund,” he
said.
Ruth Strach, former roommate of
Mary Ellen, was at the tournament
again this year. She reminisced about
her friend, adding that Phaneuf has
become like a brother to her.
“We’ve become real good friends
and this is such a great effort. As far
as charity events go, this is amazing,”
said Strach, adding that if she can be
there, she is. “I think about Mary all
the time. She would have been so supportive.”
Mini golfers played a full round of
golf, 18 holes, at Evergreene Golf on
Route 9 in Belchertown. Players were
entertained by DJ Dave Lash and illusionist
Nick Felix at the 19th hole.
There was also a silent auction held
throughout the day.
Turley Publications photos by Aimee M. Henderson
Katie Buckley, of Granby, watches as her golf ball
lines up with the hole.
Roger Salloom
Northampton, MA
Musician/Heart Attack Survivor
Playing Here.
Healing Here.
Paula Stephens, of Sturbridge, lines up her shot
during the annual putt-a-thon.
Roger wasn’t at risk for heart disease. Still, he couldn’t ignore the “strange
feeling” in his chest. Just as he arrived at the local hospital, his heart stopped.
His wife was told he probably wouldn’t make it. Luckily though, Roger was
stabilized and rushed to Baystate Medical Center, the only hospital in our
area with the capability to stop a heart attack in its tracks. Interventional
cardiologist, Dr. Marc Schweiger, unblocked the artery and implanted a stent
to keep it open.
“I’m here because Baystate is here. They are the NASA space program for heart
attack patients,” Roger Says.
Playing here. Healing here. Living here.
baystatehealth.org/here
Kimberly Allen starts her
flight at the annual Bell &
Hudson Putt-A-Thon for the
Jimmy Fund.