Help save children's lives: Join the 2023 St. Jude Classic!

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual St. Jude Classic, scheduled to take place from Friday, October 20, to Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the prestigious Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club, located at 1850 Crane Lakes Blvd in Port Orange, with an ambitious goal of $200,000. The festivities will kick off with a captivating dinner/dance gala on Friday night, featuring an exquisite meal provided by Rosevilla and live music by the renowned Stir It Up Band. Following the gala, participants will enjoy two days of golf tournaments on Saturday and Sunday, where golfers can indulge in delicious breakfasts, BBQ lunches, refreshing beverages, and an exclusive awards luncheon, each day. 

This year, the organization is gearing up to take its efforts to the next level by seeking sponsors for the upcoming 2023 St. Jude Classic Golf Tournament and Dinner/Dance Gala. The annual St. Jude Classic relies on businesses and individuals eager to make a difference to sponsor the events. Not only will sponsors have the opportunity to receive recognition on event marketing materials and promotional items, but thanks to sponsor contributions, 100% of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

"We anticipate a sold-out event for both golf tournament days, and with your support, we are determined to surpass this year's goal," expressed David Vanvalkenburgh, Pars and a Purpose for Children's Cure Event Coordinator for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Since 2021, Pars and a Purpose for a Children's Cure has successfully raised over $150,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through various benefit events. With the unwavering support of the local community, along with generous monetary donations, in-kind contributions, and sponsor funding, these events have made a significant impact. 

The St. Jude Classic has a remarkable history of surpassing expectations. The inaugural 1st Annual St. Jude Classic Charity Golf Tournament, founded by Mr. Vanvalkenburgh in October 2021, exceeded its initial fundraising goal of $25,000 by an astounding $40,000. Building on this success, the St. Jude Ryder Cup Challenge was introduced in 2022, raising $14,000 in the spring. The 2nd Annual St. Jude Classic in the fall of 2022 surpassed all expectations by raising an impressive $60,000. Similarly, the 2nd Annual Ryder Cup Challenge in the spring of 2023 exceeded its goal of $20,000. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from participants and donors, Mr. Vanvalkenburgh has expanded the calendar of events to include the Daytona Beach Shores Eagle Club fundraiser in the summer of 2023.

With the help of event sponsors, an exceptional feature of the St. Jude Classic is that 100% of the proceeds directly benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These funds support critical research and treatment programs for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The local community can join in this lifesaving mission by attending the dinner/dance gala or registering for one of the golf tournaments.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved, visit https://est.event.stjude.org/ELP/PARS23/ or contact event chair David Vanvalkenburgh at davevan5674@gmail.com.