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Lifeshare check presentation
Since 2002, the Miracle Match for Life Benefit Golf Tournament has raised more than $2 million with the proceeds helping further regional participation of marrow and blood donations, as well as breast cancer screenings and prevention in Southeast Texas.
This year’s 21st tournament raised about $126,000 and checks of $27,500 each were presented to three local charities during a special presentation on Nov. 11 at the LifeShare Blood Center on Laurel Avenue in Beaumont.
The tournament began with a partnership of BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC and TotalEnergies.
Community and Government Affairs Department Manager Shelly Vitanza, of BASF TotalEnergies Petrochemicals LLC in Port Arthur, said they’re proud to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to sponsor the event.
“It’s in its 20th year and we’ve raised more than $2 million. It is just a great event and all the money stays here with the three charities. It makes a difference for residents in our area,” Vitanza said. “It’s great to see how it’s grown and every year it’s sold out. This year we had 72 teams play and 25 sponsors who were out on the holes.”
Checks were presented to representatives from LifeShare Blood Center, Julie Rogers Gift of Life and Be The Match.
Heightened awareness of the provisions offered by the three participating organizations is shared with vulnerable populations to encourage utilization of these services in the African American, Native American and Hispanic communities, where marrow and blood donations and cancer screenings are most needed.
“We will have the largest distribution of funds for the charities because we kept expenses down and revenue was up,” said Jamie Hogge, Miracle Match for Life event coordinator. “This is one of our top three years.”
Hogge said for the past couple of years, they’ve had families come and spend the day with them at the golf course during the tournament.
“We had children who have been the beneficiary of blood products and life-saving bone marrow,” she added.
Camille Briggs, the community relations advisor for TotalEnergies, said they are excited to be a part of the tournament and assist the charities.
“We have been working together for these three charities for several years and it’s just gotten bigger and better each year. We are so happy to give back to the community,” she said.
Briggs said it’s a great way to raise money for charities and to give back to the community.
“All three charities served the uninsured and underinsured. People who just need support and help,” she added. “It’s a highlight for those vendors to visit with people who have been impacted by these charities, and to see where their money is going. You put a face to the support you’re giving and that is priceless.”
Gift of Life Board President Linda Domino said her group is “very grateful” for the tournament proceeds they receive.
“It’s a great blessing for us because it makes it possible for thousands of women and men in our community to receive free mammograms, prostate screenings and education on various forms of cancer, and the dangers of smoking,” said Domino. “The Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program uses the proceeds to save lives. That’s what we do and that’s our mission. We try to save lives in Southeast Texas and we are just very grateful for their continued support of the Gift of Life vision of free health care and cancer prevention initiatives to medically underserved Southeast Texas. Our hearts are full of gratitude.”
Tiffany Ybarra, regional account manager for LifeShare Blood Center, said they have a “wonderful relationship” with the Miracle of Life Golf Tournament.
“It has provided so many funds for us over the years. We have come to depend on these as part of our outreach to new donors, brand new donor groups, and to try to get our regular donors back and new donors in after the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ybarra said. “This is the only donation we have of this size. It helps us greatly with things to hand out like printed material, education to school groups and new businesses who may interested in partnering with us for blood drives.”