CONINE ALL-STAR GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $230,000 FOR JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND CONINE CLUBHOUSE

Kristin Cornell, special events manager, Conine Clubhouse at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Frank Sacco, President and CEO Memorial Healthcare System

More than 130 golfers hit the links recently at the 17th annual Conine All-Star Golf Classic, one of South Florida’s most successful and longest running sports celebrity golf tournaments.

The popular sold-out event was a tremendous success and raised more than $230,000 for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, which helps underwrite the operations of the Conine Clubhouse, a home-away-from-home for families of children under care at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Mike Piazza, MLB great

Hosted by former major league ballplayer Jeff Conine and his wife Cindy, with Calder Casino and Race Course returning as the title sponsor, the event took place at The Club of Emerald Hills in Hollywood.  The fun-filled day featured a sports celebrity in each foursome, the opportunity to win valuable prizes at all 18 holes, and a poker tournament.

Tony Nathan former Miami Dolphin

“We were delighted to once again partner with Jeff and Cindy for this amazing event,” said Austin Miller, president and general manager of Calder Casino and Race Course.  “As a leader in the South Florida community we are fortunate to be able to give back. I can’t think of a better cause than to help others who are coping with the devastating effects of a child’s illness.”

Jeff Conine entertains event volunteers

Celebrities who participated in this year’s event included Lawrence Taylor, OJ McDuffie,  Mike Piazza, Mike Lowell, Chris Volstad, Gaby Sanchez, Tommy Hutton, Shawn Wooden, Mark Duper, Tony Nathan, Herman Boone and Anthony Carter.

Jeff Conine and Conine All-Star Golf Classic co-chair Greg Marsh

“The clubhouse is my proudest accomplishment in South Florida, my legacy, because it’s real life,” said Conine.  “Being a professional athlete brings notoriety, but nothing we do between the lines can compare to helping people when they really need it.”

Since 1995, the Classic has helped raise more than three million dollars and has allowed more than 6,000 families to reside at the Conine Clubhouse. There is no charge to stay at the clubhouse and families from more than 20 countries have used its private rooms, playroom, playground, gardens, chapel and family support area during times of medical crisis.

Lorenzo Hampton, former Miami Dolphin

“It is never easy to have a child in the hospital, but parents can take comfort in having a place to stay just across the street from where their son or daughter is being treated,” said Kevin Janser, vice president and executive director of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation.  “It is the type of family-focused outreach we believe in, and something Jeff and Cindy’s ongoing commitment to fundraising helps make possible.”

Nelson Fernandez, Mike Lowell former Florida Marlin and Al Fernandez

The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation raises money to help underwrite the cost of programs and equipment at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the leading children’s hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties.  Established in 1994, the Foundation provides philanthropic-based support that supplements the income from payers and tax revenues received by the Memorial Healthcare System.  The Foundation serves as the central agency through which charitable contributions are made.

Chris Volstad, Florida Marlin

Plans are underway for the 18th annual Conine All-Star Golf Classic which is scheduled for late January, 2012.  To register, learn more or make a donation, call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation (954) 265-3454 or visit www.jdchf.org.

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