Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in the Clay Walker Band against MS Charity Golf Tournament at the beautiful Pebble Beach Resort in California. After he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996, multi-platinum recording artist, Clay Walker, established the Band against MS, a not-for-profit public charity to assist persons living with the disease. Guided by a firm determination to overcome obstacles, Clay has fought the disease, while building an incredible career and raising money for this worthy cause. To find out more about Clay Walker's band against MS and the MS Charity Golf Tournament, go to http://www.bandagainstms.org/.
I was invited to participate in this event by Chris Sullivan, founder and chairman of the board of Outback Steakhouse. Chris is truly one of the most charitable persons on this earth. Even though I am certain that he wouldn't want me to mention the fact that Chris donated $3 million of his personal funds to the Flight 93 Memorial Fund. Chris contribution goes beyond financial donations and investment of personal time. His dedication to the community at large, unwavering loyalty to friends, employees and partners has consistently benefited numerous individuals from all walks of life. Chris's exemplary character has definitely influenced others to walk the walk.
Speaking of walking the walk, I could not complete this post without commending another outstanding individual. You have probably seen him on Comedy Central and laughed hysterically at his candid humor, so Jeff Foxworthy is no stranger to the public. However, what the general public may not know is that he is an extremely kind and giving individual. Jeff performed at the awards banquet for Bands against MS, donating his time to this worthy cause.
During the event, Clay Walker relayed the events that led to Jeff's performance, which I will share. Over ten years ago, his band performed at a Jeff Foxworthy cause. At that time, Jeff told Clay, "If you ever need anything, call me." However, this was before Jeff became the mega star that he is today. So, during the planning phase of this most recent event, Clay was reluctant to call on Jeff, but when you know people who are affected with MS, you will be relentless in your efforts to help.
To Clay's amazement, when he called, Jeff did not hesitate to say yes! I wanted to mention this because in this era of greed, profits and celebrity worship, bad behavior seems to be amplified and even glorified, while good deeds are often overlooked. I think this is an uplifting story and I hope you will help to spread the word about Jeff Foxworthy - the good guy.
Overall, the event was a huge success. Thanks to Clay Walker, Chris Sullivan, Jeff Foxworthy and the Pebble Beach company. I would also like to thank my golf partners, 1985 Indianapolis 500 Champion Danny Sullivan and the funniest good golfer I have ever played with, Davis Sezna, for suffering through watching me play golf for three days.
On a more serious note, I learned that Clay Walker's MS is in remission. He is a lucky guy. Others are not so lucky. Clay believes he contracted MS through a spinal cord injury he sustained while performing live in the Canadian Rockies. While talking to him at the event, he informed me that he believes MS is brought on by a virus that affects the neurological system.
As you may know, I have a passion for helping people with spinal conditions, so this caught my attention and I hope to offer support to Clay and his fight against this disease that burdens so many persons. I am sure that many of us have heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Individuals like Clay Walker have demonstrated that this is not just a cliché; rather, it is an attainable ideal, one to which I hope that we will all strive.
I was invited to participate in this event by Chris Sullivan, founder and chairman of the board of Outback Steakhouse. Chris is truly one of the most charitable persons on this earth. Even though I am certain that he wouldn't want me to mention the fact that Chris donated $3 million of his personal funds to the Flight 93 Memorial Fund. Chris contribution goes beyond financial donations and investment of personal time. His dedication to the community at large, unwavering loyalty to friends, employees and partners has consistently benefited numerous individuals from all walks of life. Chris's exemplary character has definitely influenced others to walk the walk.
Speaking of walking the walk, I could not complete this post without commending another outstanding individual. You have probably seen him on Comedy Central and laughed hysterically at his candid humor, so Jeff Foxworthy is no stranger to the public. However, what the general public may not know is that he is an extremely kind and giving individual. Jeff performed at the awards banquet for Bands against MS, donating his time to this worthy cause.
During the event, Clay Walker relayed the events that led to Jeff's performance, which I will share. Over ten years ago, his band performed at a Jeff Foxworthy cause. At that time, Jeff told Clay, "If you ever need anything, call me." However, this was before Jeff became the mega star that he is today. So, during the planning phase of this most recent event, Clay was reluctant to call on Jeff, but when you know people who are affected with MS, you will be relentless in your efforts to help.
To Clay's amazement, when he called, Jeff did not hesitate to say yes! I wanted to mention this because in this era of greed, profits and celebrity worship, bad behavior seems to be amplified and even glorified, while good deeds are often overlooked. I think this is an uplifting story and I hope you will help to spread the word about Jeff Foxworthy - the good guy.
Overall, the event was a huge success. Thanks to Clay Walker, Chris Sullivan, Jeff Foxworthy and the Pebble Beach company. I would also like to thank my golf partners, 1985 Indianapolis 500 Champion Danny Sullivan and the funniest good golfer I have ever played with, Davis Sezna, for suffering through watching me play golf for three days.
On a more serious note, I learned that Clay Walker's MS is in remission. He is a lucky guy. Others are not so lucky. Clay believes he contracted MS through a spinal cord injury he sustained while performing live in the Canadian Rockies. While talking to him at the event, he informed me that he believes MS is brought on by a virus that affects the neurological system.
As you may know, I have a passion for helping people with spinal conditions, so this caught my attention and I hope to offer support to Clay and his fight against this disease that burdens so many persons. I am sure that many of us have heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Individuals like Clay Walker have demonstrated that this is not just a cliché; rather, it is an attainable ideal, one to which I hope that we will all strive.
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