Foundation for Firelands “Caddyshack” Open Raises Funds for Cancer Patients and Families
The Foundation for Firelands raised over $182,000 in gross proceeds at its 15th annual "Caddyshack" Open, the area’s premier golf outing held at Plum Brook Country Club in August. The funds will directly support patients and their families at Firelands Health who are battling a cancer diagnosis.
Participants embraced the "Caddyshack" theme with fun and colorful golf attire, all while competing for a great cause. Jim Wible won the Al Czervik “Crazy Pants” award.
The winning men's team included Joseph Riley, M.D., Mitchell Rice, D.O., Dr. Thomas Olexa, M.D. and Pat Riley. The winning women’s team included Leanne Strack, D.O., Brenda Strack, Marcy Crow, and Erin Nesbit. The mixed winning team was Cameron Ditty, M.D., Alexis Ditty, Jon Douglas and Dan Grabowski.
"The Foundation for Firelands owes a massive debt of gratitude to our 'Caddyshack' Open committee members," said Alice Springer, Director of Development for The Foundation for Firelands. "Nearly all have served since our first outing in 2011. Their commitment to providing support for our cancer patients has been a lifeline of hope, raising an incredible $1.5 million over the past 15 years."
Leading up to the event, community members showed their support by participating in the Golf Cart Raffle. Once again, Janotta & Herner and Catawba Island Carts donated a stunning 2025 E40FX Epic Carts Golf Cart. This year's winner, Cindy Plue, was beyond excited to take the cart out for a drive.
"When I called Cindy, she literally screamed with joy and amazement that she had won," said Jody Mast, Development Officer for The Foundation for Firelands. "I think at first she thought someone was playing a joke on her, but I was able to convince her it was for real and she had won."
The event's top sponsors, recognized as "Bushwood Champ" sponsors, included Janotta & Herner; Laura and Dan Keller; Mathews Ford; Amy Reese M.D. and Norleena Poynter M.D.; Tusing Builders & Roofing Services; and Art, Carol, Artie and Amy Wolfe.
