Gay Davis’s Golf for Joy
Golfing and cancer aren’t often talked about in the same sentence, but for Gay Davis using his passion for golf to provide Joy to children facing cancer and other serious illness was never a question of if, but how?
Gay was introduced to Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) and our mission to deliver Joy to seriously ill children and teens. The simple, yet radical act of finding Joy even during difficult times, struck a chord with Gay. He knew he had to get involved.
Nearly a Decade of Joy
Nine years later, Gay has grown his passion for giving back to others into a movement for the golfing community. His event, Golf for Joy, has become a staple of CCA’s summer events. It attracts pros and amateurs from across the nation and creates a fun and competitive atmosphere while teaching everyone about the healing power of Joy.
The event has raised an incredible $1.9 Million over the last nine years and more than $535,000 (and counting) this year alone, which will go directly towards delivering the healing power of music, friendship, and nature — free-of-charge — to families who need it most.
CCA-served kids, teens, and their siblings took to the putting course to practice their skills and learn from Gay and other attending golfers.
Hearing from Families Impacted by Cancer
Cathy Marshall, News Anchor for KGW TV, emceed the event, introducing Gay as the “Iron Man” of golf, a reference to his Golf Marathon where he completes between 130-140 holes in a single day.
Guest speaker, Heidi Bruno, shared her family’s story about their experience with CCA’s Joy-based programming during their daughter Holly’s illness.
And Jeff Sanders, President, Golf Events, N.A., Lagardere Sports, shared his insights on Pumpkin Ridge and his friendship with Gay before rallying his fellow golfers to support Gay’s Marathon with by-the-hole donations.
This event was made possible through generous sponsors including Hoffman Construction, Western Pacific Building Materials, and Escalante Golf.
Supporting Joy from the Beginning
Over the past nine years, a number of incredible people have helped Gay and wife, Judi make Golf for Joy the success it is today.
Tracy Sepulveda, Accounting Manager at David H. Sutherland & Co.; Mark Sepulveda, chiropractor and Golf for Joy Auction Chair; Marie Markham, teacher, Kinnaman Elementary; Clare Hamill, VP, Nike Growth Initiatives; Brent Jacobs, Owner and President at Jacobs Heating and Air Conditioning; Don Ossey, Principal Broker at Capacity Commercial Group, LLC.
Golf for Joy’s Lasting Impact
Golf for Joy is now one of CCA’s top annual fundraising events, creating significant impact for thousands of seriously ill kids and their families.
CCA’s Senior Vice President of Revenue & Development, Jenny O’Bryan, shares, “CCA is incredibly lucky to have met the Davis family. Gay not only has good intentions and the resources to make a difference, but he works hard for what he believes in. He’s in the office almost every week working diligently to make things come together. Giving up his own time for the children and teens we serve – it is the most valuable resource he could offer.”
Thank you, Gay. Your incredible spirit of generosity and “Iron Man” feats make the world a more Joyful place for thousands of seriously ill kids.