ALOHA, Ore. – At its 17th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament July 29 in Aloha, the Maurice Lucas Foundation raised $189,000 – almost double last year’s event – to support the academic and athletic programs it provides to middle school through college students in the Portland area.
The field of 270 golfers was so large, the double shotgun tournament was spread over two courses at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club.
The winning team from Pacific Energy Concepts shot a 52 on the south course. The winners were Wes Mallard, Jonathan and Korean Romano, Will Snow and Jack Dukeminier. The team received a first-class trip to Bend, including transportation on a private jet, lodging in a luxury house and free play at the Tetherow Resort golf course.
The 54 participating celebrities included Trail Blazer broadcaster Bill Schonely; former Trail Blazer players Bobby Gross, Channing Frye and Brian Grant; Oregon State basketball coach Wayne Tinkle and his son, Tres; actress Debbe Dunning; actor William H. Bryant Jr.; comedian Joe Torry; and KOIN-TV newscaster Ken Boddie.
The tourney organizers included many fun elements to the day to make it memorable for the participants. Mike Phillips performed the national anthem on the saxophone. Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplied the music. Eric Tolento provided free haircuts and Thrive Chiropractic gave free massages. Lil Orbits Donuts provided fresh doughnuts, Dutch Bros. provided coffee and Jersey Mike’s provided lunch.
Luxe Christie’s International Real Estate was the main sponsor. D&C Motor Co. was the vehicle sponsor. Hayden Watson and Keeley O’Brien of O’Brien Design and Build helped create the prize for the winning team. Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill provided the meal for the awards dinner.
“This tournament is an important fundraising event for us,” said Executive Director David Lucas. “It continues a tradition started by my dad, the late Maurice Lucas, who loved this community. Thank you so much to all our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this year’s tournament possible.”
About the Maurice Lucas Foundation
The foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the MLF has served more than 2,258 students and families through its Academy program and another 4,320 through basketball camps and teams.
The foundation’s 11th annual Celebration Dinner will take place virtually Thursday, Dec. 9. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.
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Maurice Lucas Foundation ^ P.O. Box 1661 ^ Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ^ www.ml20.org