The 2007 Pursell Cup Charity Golf Challenge was an inspiration to many, with a record-breaking $100,000 raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) during two unforgettable days of golf, food and fun. The eighth biennial fundraiser, held June 6-7 at FarmLinks Golf Club in Sylacauga, Ala., brought in more than 64 golfers and 87 total contributors, and has raised more than $450,000 in the last 8 events.
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Nearly 13 years ago, David Pursell hosted the first Pursell Cup Charity Golf Challenge at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Ala. The Pursell family had the idea to create an event that brought together old friends and put a face on the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes, better known as juvenile diabetes. And for the Pursell family, the JDRF represents more than just a charitable organization. It is an organization that strives every day to improve the lives of those who face the same challenges that David and three of his six children face.
“We wanted to create something that would not only be enjoyable for participants but would also contribute to a worthwhile cause,” David said. “We are thrilled to be able to contribute to this research, and we’re hopeful that we can one day help JDRF find a cure.”
This year’s event included Wednesday’s DP Invitational, open practice round, followed by the charity golf tournament on Thursday morning. FarmLinks Golf Club catered and hosted a delectable dinner and program on Wednesday evening with bluegrass music and special guest speakers, culminating with the presentation of a $95,000 check to the JDRF. (The additional $5,000 was given on the spot by a generous participant who wanted to see the total reach an even $100,000.) Karin Scott, executive director of the Alabama chapter of JDRF that raises over $2 million per year for diabetes research, was on hand to receive the check.
David Pursell as well as his twin sons, Martin and Parker, spoke briefly about living with the disease and about their hopefulness for one day finding a cure – “maybe in my lifetime,” Parker stated.
JDRF’s Dr. Aaron Kowalski, program director for Metabolic Regulation and research director for the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project, shared some research on the diabetes technologies that will improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Kowalski and his brother, Stephen, were both diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at young ages.
The 2007 Pursell Cup also featured trick-shot artist Chuck “The Hit Man” Hiter, who performed an “encore” golf exhibition. A touring golf professional, The Hit Man holds the Guinness world record for distance and accuracy while hitting a golf ball out of mid air and has performed all over the world. He wowed the crowds at the Pursell Cup this year as he did in the 2005 event.