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Student uses golf to raise money to fight breast cancer
Photo by James Nix
Cabarrus golfer Garrett Ray is playing it forward this summer and raising money for his cousin, Kelly Whitted, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, by playing golf this summer.
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Published: July 3, 2009
Garrett Ray, 16, is hoping he receives a lot of birdies, or strokes under par, during his golf tournaments this month. But that is not just for bragging rights.
As a member of the American Junior Golf Association, Ray is participating in its first "Playing It Forward" fundraiser to support the group and a local charity.
Ray is raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a group dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
He is asking for either flat donations or pledges for every birdie he receives in tournaments throughout June and July.
In the three tournaments he participated in during June, Ray received 12 birdies. He has about six tournaments scheduled for July.
So far, he has raised $1,425.
When it came time to pick a charity, he knew what cause he would support.
"My cousin has breast cancer," Ray said. "She's 29, and I couldn't think of other charities I'd want to give back to."
Ray's cousin, Kelly Whitted, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2008. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy, she is cancer free.
Whitted, of Bedford, Texas, said she was pleasantly surprised to hear what her cousin was doing.
"It's interesting because most teenage boys, if they are going to try to find a charity, (Susan G. Komen) would not be one they would think of," Whitted said. "I think that's cool that he thought of me, and that he feels comfortable to talk about that."
As one of about 40 participants in "Playing It Forward," Ray is thrilled to be giving to a charity through golf, something he loves to do.
Ray has played golf for four years and has been on the Northwest Cabarrus High School team. He will attend Cox Mill High School in the fall when he starts his junior year.
His parents are also excited about how he is spending his summer.
"I'm very impressed," said Linda Ray, Garrett's mother. "A lot of kids don't do anything in the summer, and he's trying to pay back society. He could be bumming around, and he's not."
Ray's parents have helped in his efforts by joining him in sending e-mails and telling their friends and family about "Playing It Forward." They also posted information at the Skybrook neighborhood clubhouse.
"Everybody has been impressed with his desire to do this," Linda Ray said.
In fact, as Ray was talking about "Playing It Forward" on Wednesday at the clubhouse, a man heard about it and donated $100 a few minutes later.
Ray and his family have been shocked by the amount of support they have received.
"We were thinking if he made $200 or $300, it would be great," Linda Ray said. "With the economy, people are still giving."
Once Ray has finished collecting money, 40 percent will go toward Susan G. Komen. The rest will go toward American Junior Golf Association's programs for young golfers to participate in activities such as attending national tournaments when they would normally not be able to afford it.
Beth Dockter, the vice president of special projects for American Junior Golf Association, said many of the participants in "Playing It Forward" chose their charity because they were touched by it or a disease connected to it.
"It's all across the board what people are supporting," Dockter said. "We are extremely impressed with these kids and what they are doing."
To donate to Ray's "Playing It Forward" fundraiser, visit www.ajga.org/playingitforward/pledge_list.asp
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