Block Memorial Tournament Tally Tops $200,000
The 33rd Herbert J. Block Memorial Tournament, held on September 12 at Scioto Country Club, raised more than $200,000 to benefit Ohio State’s commitment to researching, preventing and treating cancer at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
Since the memorial golf tournament's inception in 1982 by the Block family of Columbus in memory of their father, who had died of cancer, the event has raised more than $5.75 million for Ohio State’s cancer program through the support of friends, golfers and community members.
The Block family and friends (seated from left) Andy Glassman, MD, Toni Block, Jia Jia Schottenstein, Jeri Block, Brittany Clark and Josh Barkan; (standing from left)Mitch Clark, Max Block, Bobby Schottenstein, Jeff Block, Pelotonia CEO and President Doug Ulman (honorary tournament chair), Julie Block Glassman, and OSUCCC Director and James CEO Michael A. Caligiuri, MD.
Weather for the tournament was favorable, and the course was in great shape after hosting the 2016 U.S. Senior Open Tournament earlier this year. After Block Tournament play was finished, a reception was held to celebrate. Joel Slaven, of Joel Slaven’s Professional Animals, brought several animals for golfers and guests to see, including penguins, flamingos, kangaroos and a snow leopard.
Slaven is a longtime supporter of the tournament and sponsors its annual Ball Drop, an event in which over 400 golf balls are dropped at once from a hovering helicopter to a golf green. Whoever holds the number of the ball landing closest to the pin wins a cash prize. Slaven accompanied Jeff Block in the latter’s helicopter to drop the balls. Russ Gertmenian was the lucky winner.
OSUCCC Director and James CEO Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, addressed the audience and mentioned that the Block Tournament is the longest-running fundraising event for Ohio State’s cancer program. Honorary Tournament Chair Doug Ulman, CEO and president of Pelotonia, spoke about his philanthropic philosophy and the impact this tournament has had on the cancer program.
Jeff Block added to the celebration by presenting player awards. An America’s Floor Source team consisting of Dana Bromberg, Jason Goldberg, A.J. McPherson, Charles Ruma and Lee Hyo Seung won the tournament and the championship jackets.
Also, Cathy Cory and Erin McHamm, members of the tournament’s steering committee, presented the 2016 Sue Haggerty Outstanding Volunteer Award to Gene Western, who has supported the tournament for many years and is considered by planners to be the ultimate volunteer.