This past weekend North Carolina State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course hosted an annual “magical” tradition – the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, a weekend of events raising awareness and funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Throughout the nineteen years the tournament has been in existence, several members of our Fonville Morisey family have been a part of it in one way or another. Whether as a Chair of a committee, volunteer, attendee, and even our Fonville Morisey Lochmere office has hosted a booth/table during past events as well. This year was no different. We had several Sales Associates from our FM Lochmere office involved in some capacity – Vanessa Castillo, Sally Bauer,and Autumne Bennett. We asked Sally and Vanessa what it was like to be involved in this year’s event.
Sally Bauer’s Story
“The greatest thing about this experience was the feeling I got from everyone involved. It was very positive and friendly.” ~ Sally Bauer
This was my first year volunteering for the Jimmy V Golf Classic. It was a great experience from start to finish. To begin, we all received a one-day training to make sure we were comfortable with our duties. At this time, I realized what a special event this was. Most of the trainers had been with the Foundation for years. You could see the outstanding passion and in these individuals. They really wanted us to feel good about the V Foundation and have a good time volunteering too. Before the Classic there were a couple of opportunities to get together at some of the sponsor restaurants to get to know everyone. These were really fun.
The night before the event, I went to the Jimmy V Gala that was held at the Raleigh Convention Center. This was a magnificent event. Everyone there was excited to be there and donate what they could to the cause. This years event was to support 911 First Responders. The speech given by one of the firefighters was heartfelt and honest. It brought tears to my eyes listening to his story and hearing the pride in his voice. I was also moved by the speech given by Jimmy’s wife, who was so appreciative of the support the Foundation has received. The auction they held was very successful too and the crowd was very enthusiastic. The Auctioneer was wonderful; he really got everyone involved.
On the day of the event I was very nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was relieved when my group arrived at the eighth hole to start and everyone introduced themselves to me and were very warm. The celebrities in my group were Melyssa Ford and Terrance Holt, model and football player. I think I had the most fun group out there. We were instantly laughing and having a great time. We definitely weren’t the fastest group (we were the last ones on the course), but we had a great time.
The greatest thing about this experience was the feeling I got from everyone involved. It was very positive and friendly. I can’t wait to do it again next year!
Vanessa Castillo’s Story
“Since I am supporting my mother on her cancer journey this year, fighting cancer has taken on a whole new meaning to me.” ~ Vanessa Castillo
I attended a social event at the Busy Bee Cafe in downtown Raleigh that Autumne Bennett had shared on Facebook. While there I put my name in the drawing for Gala tickets and was lucky enough to have won them! I took Sally Bauer with me to the Gala because she was kind enough to be volunteering at the golf event and she deserved it.
The Gala as awesome and I was glad to have been able to attend. The crowd was generous and I was impressed with the whole event.
Cancer touches us all in some way. Our Fonville Morisey Lochmere Agents stepped up to the plate to help fight it by being a part of V Foundation for Cancer Research Jimmy V Celebrity Golf tournament…and we had FUN too!
Were you at the Jimmy V tournament? We’d love for you to share your memories below.
We’d also like to share Jimmy V’s 1993 ESPY’s Award Speech. If you’ve never seen it before, we think you’ll be inspired by it. Thanks to his fight and positive outlook, the V Foundation has raised millions of dollars for Cancer research.
Images courtesy of FM Lochmere. Top (l-r): Sally Bauer, Autumne Bennett, Vanessa Castillo. Bottom (l-r): Vanessa and Sally
