EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — A June fundraiser at the Hickory Hills Golf Club in rural Eau Claire brought in $55,000 that will be donated to support cancer research, according to the event’s organizer.
“We are extremely thankful and overjoyed at the support this fundraiser had from the community,” said Bob Lesniewski, who, with his wife Janet Lesniewski and a host of volunteers, organized the June 23 event at Hickory Hills.
Lesniewski, who takes daily medicine to keep his cancer at bay, said he knows from personal experience how important research is to finding a cure for cancer.
“I am alive today because of cancer research,” Lesniewski said.
This is the third year that the golfing fundraiser has been held at Hickory Hills and is the highest amount raised so far. Over 100 golfers participated in the event, which also included a silent auction, meal and prizes.
The money raised will be donated to the Garding Against Cancer foundation started by Greg Gard, the head men’s basketball coach at UW-Madison. His foundation supports cancer research at the Carbone Cancer Center at UW Hospitals and Clinics in Madison.
Dr. Howard Bailey, director of the Carbone Center, spoke at the fundraiser and thanked all participants for participating in the effort to find advanced cancer treatments.
Next year’s event is planned for June 21, 2024.
