41st Annual Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament, May 1-2

Benefiting Barrow Neurological Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital

While the Lou Grubb Friends Fore Golf Tournament and casino night aren’t until May1-2, 2014, the big winners of the annual event are already determined—the patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute.

Now in its 41st year, the event has raised nearly $5 million for St. Joseph’s Foundation and Barrow Neurological Foundation. The all-inclusive festivities kick off with a casino-themed gala at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort on Thursday, May 1, followed by the golf tournament and awards dinner at McCormick Ranch Golf Club on Friday, May 2.

The event carries on the spirit of Valley philanthropist Lou Grubb, whose family established the well-known golf tournament in 1973.  Grubb suffered a ruptured aneurysm while playing golf in 1986 and underwent successful surgery by Robert Spetzler, MD, at Barrow. Several years later, he appointed Barrow as the beneficiary of the Friends Fore Golf Tournament. Today, donations raised via the event continue to enhance patient care, medical education and research at St. Joseph’s and Barrow, while also honoring Grubb, who passed away in 2012.

Thursday night kicks off with a cocktail party at 5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road., followed by dinner, casino night, raffle and silent auction, with prizes to include spa and golf packages, vacation getaways, wine tours, extravagant gift baskets and more. Friday’s golf tournament features 18 holes at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, 7505 E. McCormick Parkway, followed by a dinner/awards ceremony.

The event benefits Barrow Neurological Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. All inclusive tickets for the full event cost $1,000. For those interested in attending just Thursday evening, tickets are $250; golf tournament only, $500.

Shotgun start for tournament begins at 12:30 p.m., and includes pre-game lunch and beverages all day on the course. To participate or sponsor, contact: Ani Gurlekian, 602.406.3041; ani.gurlekian@dignityhealth.org.