Inaugural Benefit Golf Tournament
SUCCESSFUL Help Mark Fight Foundation View Photo Slideshow of Mark and HMF Golf Event
Dr. Julie Asch, Mark's friend and his lead Oncologist at LDS Hospital, who is on cutting-edge Adult Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) research and her husband and brother joined the scores of friends who participated in the Silent Auction and Awards Dinner. The event was led eloquently by TV personality, author and golf enthusiast (and a new Mark admirer) John Daly. The Auction included a dazzling array of donated items including: fine art by renowned multi-medium artist Scott Olson; Frank Huff oils, Simi Dabah sculpture, fine jewelry and timepieces, Sports Memorabilia, nights on the town and much more to tempt the bidders.
We are looking forward to next year's Tournament at Canyon Gate (probably in late October) and will announce a "Save the Date" shortly. Special thanks to Christine-Marie Olds, Executive Director of the Event whose tireless voluntary full-time efforts and marvelous qualifications and talents are chiefly responsible for the planning and execution of the Tournament. In addition, this event would have been impossible were it not for the countless voluntary hours and commitment of Mark's friends and family who saw his vision come to fruition. They include the following: HMF Board of Directors/ Inaugural Golf Benefit Tournament Steering Committee : General Chairman: Physician, Dana Farber Institute Research Physician Event Executive Director Golf Tournament Banquet Design Director Webmaster Thank you all for your interest and generosity! We hope to continue our efforts in battling Leukemia with your help. |
All of Mark's siblings made the trek to Las Vegas joined by his beloved Michelle and their three precious "Princesses" Maddy, Mackenzie and Megan. Mark's parents, Michelle's Mom and three of her sisters were some of the "VIF"'s (Very Important Family) that made the day even more special. Several guests were overheard remarking "This event is SO Mark...I just expect him to walk into the room and high-five everyone."
Canyon Gate Membership Director (and dear friend of Mark's) David Merrill and his fantastic staff ensured that everything was first-class just the way Mark would have loved it. PGA Pro Brad Sutterfield joined the players on the links for a long drives during game play and Erin Merrill (Dave's lovely wife and golf pro) also challenged golfers to beat her long drive making the round all the more interesting. Mark's Dad and the driving force behind the HMF Foundation addressed the rapt crowd outlining the goals of the Foundation and thanking all of those who made the Golf Tournament, which Mark began planning from his hospital bed, a resounding success. Mr. Benson introduced Sarah Ning of Nevada Cancer Institute and expressed interest in working with their incredible organization in the future. 
One of the highlights leading up to the Inaugural Benefit Tournament was the October 16, 2008 live Press Conference with City Mayor Oscar B. Goodman where he presented the Benson family with a Proclamation declaring October "Help Mark Fight Month" in the City of Las Vegas on KCLV-TV. The Benson's were received by the Mayor in his chambers, and he was very touched by Mark's extraordinary fortitude and spirit. The Mayor kindly donated a one-on-one breakfast exclusively with the Mayor to the silent auction.