Anaheim Ducks Captain and 2010 Winter Olympics Gold Medalist Ryan Getzlaf helped raise money for charity over the weekend, along with a host of NHL stars, celebrities and community leaders.
The charitable athlete hosted his First Annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout on Sunday, raising more than $160,000 for Talk About Curing Autism.
“Ever since my cousin Morgan was diagnosed with autism, my wife and I have dedicated ourselves to give back to the local community by supporting such a worthy cause,” said Getzlaf. “My goal for this golf tournament is to not only raise money for TACA but to also build awareness. Autism is treatable.”
TACA is a non-profit organization that provides support, education and information to more than 26,500 families across the US who are affected by autism. About 95 percent of TACA’s programs and services are provided at no charge.
More than 200 people participated in the First Annual Getzlaf Shootout. The event was a two-day charity celebration, which started with a pre-event reception and dinner on Saturday and ended with a golf tournament awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
Golfers from all over Southern California enjoyed a beautiful view overlooking the Pacific Ocean as they played on the Tom Fazio-designed 54-hole golf course at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Coast.
Special registered golfers included NHL Anaheim Ducks players George Parros, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, Luca Sbisa, Andy Sutton and Shane Obrien as well as Paul Bisonette (NHL Phoenix Coyotes), Brett Festerling (NHL Atlanta Thrashers), Joffrey Lupul (NHL Toronto Maples Leafs), Kevin Dillon (actor “Entourage”) and Kevin Connely (actor “Entourage”).
Registered golfers also had a chance to attend the pre-golf reception at Sutra in Costa Mesa this past Saturday. The VIP reception included hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, music by DJ Eman and DJ Reflex from Power 106FM and a live/silent auction that offered a variety trips, gift packages and one-of-a-kind experiences.
“We are honored to have built this new relationship with Ryan and Paige Getzlaf and the Anaheim Ducks’ team,” said Lisa Ackerman, founder of TACA. “Thanks to the success of this two-day charity event, we are one step closer to achieving our goal of helping families receive the resources they need for their children who have been diagnosed with autism.”
For more information or to make a donation visit www.tacanow.org.
