The MDA Mike Bellotti Dinner Auction and Golf Classic went off without a hitch on Saturday, May 9 and Monday, May 11.

Hop Valley Brewing Company graciously catered the 2009 Dinner Auction (if you haven't tried their fantastic food and flavorful beer, visit them in Springfield, Ore.!) and the live auction was, as always, eventful and successful. Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart were both in attendance at the Dinner Auction. Dixon and Stewart benevolently donated two autographed Oregon Duck football jerseys to the live auction, which were auctioned off at $1,300 a piece.

The Golf Classic began at 8:00 a.m. and lasted until 5:00 p.m. Dixon and Stewart were also in attendance at the Golf Classic and raised over $800 for MDA through taking pictures and signing autographs with the tournament players. Dutch Bros. and Safeway graciously donated hospitality tents for the event, providing lattes, muffins, water and other various snacks. It was a beautiful day at the Eugene Country Club and everyone had a great time.

Overall, the MDA Mike Bellotti Dinner Auction and Golf Classic raised over $113,000 for children living with neuromuscular diseases. This is a great feat in 2009's economic downturn!

Thanks to everyone who donated and participated in the events! You are truly these children's heroes!

In an effort to connect with the Eugene-area children living with neuromuscular diseases, Coach Mike Bellotti and MDA are hosting the annual Buddy Day event on Friday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m. at Autzen Stadium.

At the event, children living with neuromuscular diseases will have the opportunity to attend an Oregon Ducks’ spring football practice at Autzen Stadium. After the practice, the children will have a lunch with the Oregon Ducks football team and Coach Bellotti at the Casanova Center.

This event gives local children who attend the MDA summer camp a unique and exciting experience. It also grants Coach Bellotti and the Duck football players the opportunity to develop a special relationship with each child and connect with MDA’s mission.

Buddy Day is a tradition that started four years ago with Brent Haberly, a former University of Oregon football player, whose cousin is an MDA camper. 

This year, Hop Valley Brewery will cater the Mike Bellotti and MDA Dinner Auction!

The newly opened restaurant is the sole brewery of Springfield, Ore.

Hop Valley’s menu includes several traditional appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and salads made from local, sustainable, and organic products.

We are excited and thankful to have Hop Valley cater the event, and look forward to their delicious food!

In preparation for the Mike Bellotti Golf Tournament and Silent Auction, the media kits are coming together and the blogs are brewing.  The invitations have been mailed and Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart have confirmed they will be in attendance at the Mike Bellotti Golf Classic on Monday, May 11.

The committee is looking forward to seeing local media and MDA families at Buddy Day, Friday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Allen Hall Public Relations is currently working on pitching these events to local radio stations as well as local print media. Dinner auction programs are also coming together as we gather images, stories and sponsor information.
 
Keep checking back for the most current news on the Mike Bellotti Golf Classic, Buddy Day and the Dinner Auction!

Jerry Lewis recently was honored with the Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2008 Academy Awards. According to Academy President Sid Ganis, “Jerry is a legendary comedian who has not only brought laughter to millions around the world, but has also helped thousands upon thousands by raising funds and awareness for those suffering from muscular dystrophy.” Lewis began working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in the 1950s and has been the National Chairman since 1952. Overall he has helped raise over $2 billion for the cause.
    Lewis’ leadership in MDA has helped scientists develop and improve treatments for neuromuscular disorders, and work toward finding new cures and treatments for this mysterious disease. This all began in 1956 when Lewis and Dean Martin hosted a television program that raised $600,000 for MDA. Lewis and Martin decided to do two more shows in 1957 and 1959 and began calling them “telethons.”  Overall they raised $1,240,000 for children affiliated with MDA. During these telethons, Lewis used catchy phrases that have since been copyrighted by MDA, including: “Jerry’s Kids,” “Love Network,” “For the Right Reasons,” and “86 Days to Air.” 
    Lewis has contributed more to MDA than just the telethons. He has made over 100 public appearances for MDA and most believe there is not a day that Lewis does not do something for the organization. Not only has he been honored by the Academy but he has also received awards from the government of France. He has also received several prestigious awards in the United States including the Medal for Distinguished Public Service. 
Lewis has devoted a majority of his lifetime to MDA, and he will be recognized forever as one of the major leaders who has fought against neuromuscular diseases. According to the MDA Web site, “as long as neuromuscular diseases continue to attack “Jerry’s Kids,” Jerry will be there to fight back.”

http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2008/08.12.10.html

http://www.mda.org/media/jerrylewis.html   

Slocum Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Becomes Title Sponsor for Mike Bellotti, MDA Golf Classic and Dinner Auction!

The Slocum Center has generously donated $10,000 to become the title sponsor of the Mike Belotti MDA Golf Classic and Dinner Auction!

The Slocum Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located off Coburg Road in Eugene, provides easy access to extensive musculoskeletal care from a large staff of well-known specialized medical professionals. Combining physicians offices, a pharmacy, and high quality medical equipment and services, the Slocum Center provides care for essentially all musculoskeletal problems in one location, including sports injuries, complex fractures, arthritis, and more.

The Slocum Center’s caring and professional attitudes are reflected in the patients’ experiences with the Slocum Center—95 percent of patients recently rated their overall experience at the Slocum Surgery Center as excellent.

On February 12, 2009, the Slocum Center received LEED gold certification, further illustrating their commitment to the community.

Dr. Thomas K. Wuest, M.D., President of the Center and a general orthopedic specialist, secured this title sponsorship.

Through the MDA and Mike Bellotti, children living with neuromuscular diseases have been presented the opportunity to be recognized for their incredible strength and to share their experiences with others.

This strength never goes unrecognized by the MDA and those involved with the cause. Annually, MDA and Mike Bellotti present local Eugene children living with neuromuscular diseases "Courage Awards." These "Courage Awards" are awarded to children who have the courage and strength to share their experiences of having a neuromuscular disease and providing awareness in the community.

2008 Courage Award Recipients

Masin Carter

Masin lives in Lebanon, OR. He is an avid Oregon Ducks fan and hopes to make it to a game this season. Masin is the Goodwill Ambassador for Central Oregon, he and his family are committed to disability awareness. They have worked tirelessly to share the impact of living with muscular dystrophy throughout the state. For Masin, MDA Summer Camp is a week of barrier-free life where he gets to swim, sing, dance and participate in modified activities. There is nowhere else that Masin can experience independence like he can at MDA Summer Camp. It's an experience Masin would not be able to have without the support of individuals and businesses in the community.

Jeffrey Kemp

Jeffrey is from Eugene, OR. Over the past few years Jeffrey has had numerous surgeries and was recently diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy. Because of his medical needs, Jeffrey's mom Tonya was reluctant to send Jeffrey to MDA Summer Camp. But after thinking long and hard, Tonya came to the realization that Jeffrey never gets to do anything without her or his aid. Camp gave him the chance to be independent, to play, and spend time with other kids.

Jeffrey and Masic were both diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when they were around three years old. DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness that affects mostly boys. Nearly all children with DMD lose the ability to walk some time between ages 7 and 12. Most boys with DMD will live into their early twenties.

In their 11 years, Masin and Jeffrey have faced more challenges than most adults ever will. They have both handled these challenges with an inspiring amount of strength and courage.