The inaugural Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Celebrity Golf Classic, presented by Delta Dental of Tennessee and talent and literary agency WME, was held Monday, Aug. 29, at The Golf Club of Tennessee.
The new community event allowed for teams to be matched with a celebrity teammate for a day on the golf course. All proceeds benefited the Growing to New Heights Campaign, a four-floor expansion project that will add critical new inpatient space to Children’s Hospital.
“We are so appreciative to the celebrity participants and all of our community partners for giving their time to this event,” said John W. Brock III, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief for Children’s Hospital, Director of Pediatric Urology, Monroe Carell Jr. Professor and Senior Vice President of Pediatric Surgical Services.
“I continue to be amazed at the level of commitment that so many great people from the entertainment industry have shown to Children’s Hospital. Our partnerships in the entertainment industry and throughout this community enable us to provide world-class services for children from across Tennessee and around the country.”
The Golf Classic’s participants included celebrities from the music and sports industries.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this fantastic event that brings so many aspects of the greater Nashville community together,” said Rob Beckham, WME partner and co-head of WME’s Nashville office. “This is sure to become a must-do event for avid Tennessee golfers and is a great chance for us to give back to a hospital that is constantly there for our community’s kids and families in so many ways.”
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, which opened its downtown Nashville location in July, hosted a kick-off celebration for the event on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Local organizations donated Celebrity Golf Classic prizes and additional gifts to Children’s Hospital as sponsorships of hole contests.
Carl Paulson, former professional golfer and now host of the popular Sirius XM Radio show “Inside the Ropes,” broadcast live from the event.
“Delta Dental is proud to support a hospital and cause in which we truly believe,” said Phil Wenk, DDS, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt provides outstanding care to all patients who come through their doors, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. We’re committed to making sure they can continue to do that.”
Support from the community through gifts to and events benefiting the Growing to New Heights Campaign will make it possible for Children’s Hospital to accommodate even more of the youngest and most critically ill patients in need of specialized and sometimes life-saving care.
“The incredible support we have in this community is unparalleled,” said Luke Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “We are grateful to have so many champions of our mission. Together, we offer hope and healing to children and their families in our region and beyond.”