ML Golf Tourney Raises Almost $100,000 for Youth Academic and Athletic Programs in Portland Area

ALOHA, Ore. – At its 16th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament July 25 in Aloha, the Maurice Lucas Foundation raised almost $100,000 to support the academic and athletic programs it provides to underserved middle school students in the Portland area.

The winning team from Mass Mutual included Kasey Closs, Jason Daily, Justin Smithhiesler and Robbie Ziegler. They will receive a free trip to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and compete in the Mercedes Benz national golf tournament in October.

The field of 150 golfers included many celebrities and former members of the 1977 champion Trail Blazers team, including Bill Schonely, Larry Steel, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neil, Cliff Robinson, Ehren “Danger” McGhehey, Greg Smith, Tom Gorman, Mike Walters, Antonio Harvey, Ken Boddie, Martell Webster, Michael Allen Harrison, Scott Haskins, Charlie Sitton, Steve Johnson, John McCullough and Dale Osbourne.

First Republic Bank was the title sponsor of the event at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. Mercedes Benz of Portland and Mercedes Benz of Beaverton were among the additional sponsors.

The golf tournament is one of the nonprofit foundation’s major sources of funds. It continues a tradition started by the late Maurice Lucas, the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team.

The foundation’s other major fundraiser, its ninth annual Celebration Dinner and After Party, will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Portland Hilton. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.