Drive Fore Kids charity golf tourney delivers $6.6M impact

Photo / Tim Greenway NBC TV sportscaster Kathryn Tappen tees off at the Drive Fore Kids charity golf tournament at the Falmouth Country Club last week.

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By Renee Cordes

Last week’s Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament raised $111,000 for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and delivered an estimated $6.66 million economic impact, according to organizers.

The event, held from June 21-24 at the Falmouth Country Club, drew a crowd of 11,650 fans who came to watch 34 celebrities from sports and entertainment. They included Patrick Dempsey, founder of the nonprofit Dempsey Center in Lewiston and the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor sometimes referred to as McDreamy.

“The inaugural Drive Fore Kids celebrity golf tournament and related special events delivered upon our Mission of driving charitable, community and economic impact,” said Brian Corcoran CEO of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment and executive director for Drive Fore Kids.

“We are confident the best is yet to come and look forward to the 2024 Drive Fore Kids June 21-23 at Falmouth Country Club,” he added.

Funds raised for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland exceeded the $100,000 target.

Corcoran, honored on the Mainebiz Next List in 2016, teed up the Drive for Kids tournament after the PGA Tour pulled the plug on Falmouth as a stop on the Korn Ferry pro golf circuit.

Sponsors of Drive for Kids were led by Bangor Savings Bank, the event's presenting sponsor.

“The Maine community has a strong commitment to the health and wellness of all people. It’s through events like the Drive for Kids where we can come together bringing hope, creating positive impact, and raising funds for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, the bank’s president and CEO.“We are proud to be a Presenting Partner for such a wonderful event that provides support and pathways to critical care access for families in need throughout the state.”

Ronnie Russell, an award-winning professional bowler from Indiana, won the Drive for Kids tournament with a total of 43 points (using the Stableford scoring system) and took home $50,000 in prize money.