Community Golf Outing Raises 30k for ALS Research
(Positioned from left to right are John Wilson, Treasurer-3B Fellowship; Judy Schmitz, Board Member-ALS United Central & Southern Ohio; Kent Smith, husband of the late Mary Smith; Mike Morton, Executive Director-3B Fellowship; John Pries, Secretary-3B Fellowship; Amy Hall, Event Fundraising and Engagement Manager- ALS United Central & Southern Ohio)
November 29, 2023 COLUMBUS, OH – More than 100 golfers descended upon Golf Club of Dublin early on the morning of August 26 in remembrance of Mary Smith, who lost her battle with ALS earlier in 2023. Mary’s husband Kent Smith and good friend Mike Morton, Executive Director of 3B Fellowship, made the decision to honor and remember Mary by creating the golf outing they dubbed It’s All About Mary. They determined to use this golf outing to make an impact by donating the proceeds to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter to help fund research.
It’s All About Mary had over 50 local businesses and personal sponsors, 35 volunteers, and 115 golfers! Additionally, a silent auction, raffle baskets, and a 50/50 raffle contributed to the fun and boosted donations. Event Fundraising and Engagement Manager Amy Hall was able to stop by during the outing. “It was honestly an amazing event! I was so impressed with the commitment of Mike, Kent, 3B Fellowship, and the volunteers. Every golfer I met was generous and kind.”
The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter provides services free of charge to patients, their families, and caregivers. These services include one-on-one case management by licensed healthcare professionals, loaned medical equipment, education & exchange groups, and financial grants. In addition, the Chapter advocates at state and federal levels on behalf of ALS patients, and supports research to find a cause and cure for ALS
“The number of people we serve has grown by 40% in the last five years. Generous individuals and businesses help us raise the money we need each year to cover the cost of services, as well as continue to fund research to find treatments and a cure,” explains Executive Director Marlin Seymour.
“We’re so grateful to Kent, Mike, 3BFellowship, and everyone who came to the outing; their support truly does make a difference for people and families living with ALS, ” Seymour noted.
About 3B Fellowship
3B Fellowship is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization sponsoring weekly men’s life groups, golf and non-golf events, and community outreach through charity and service. We are governed by a board of directors, advisors, and volunteers who dedicate their time to this ministry. For more information on how you can join us or contribute to our ministry, contact info@3bfellowship.org or visit 3bfellowship.org.
About ALS
Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes someone loses their battle to this fatal disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The disease robs people of the ability to walk, talk, and even blink an eye. It traps them inside a body they no longer can control and ultimately prevents them from breathing as it takes their life. People with ALS lose the power to use their legs, hold someone close, and simply say, “I love you,” before their bodies gradually shut down. There is no known cause or cure for the disease, although military veterans are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population.
Our Mission
To discover treatments and a cure for ALS, to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.
About The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter
Formed in 1983, The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter serves patients and families in 55 counties. The chapter provides services to the ALS community, promotes awareness of the disease, raises funds for chapter programs, and advocates at state and federal levels on behalf of ALS patients.
Patient services offered through the chapter include one-on-one case management and with licensed healthcare professionals, an equipment lending program, monthly support groups, informational newsletters, referral sources, and financial assistance.
These services are provided free of charge thanks to generous donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations in the community.
To learn more about the Walk to Defeat ALS and the Chapter’s programs, contact the chapter office at 614-273-2572 or visit ALSohio.org.