Fall was in the air on Monday as 300 golfers teed off at the renowned Firestone Country Club in Akron for the 29th Annual Cavaliers Youth Fund Golf Classic, presented by Cleveland Clinic, Jani-King and PwC Cleveland. The signature yearly event brought together the Cavs’ past – with the likes of former general manager, Wayne Embry, and former players Terrell Brandon and Larry Nance – and the franchise’s present and future – with new head coach, David Blatt, general manager David Griffin and players like Kevin Love and Mike Miller.
The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser each year for the Cavaliers Youth Fund (CYF), a fund of the Cleveland Foundation. CYF distributes the net proceeds from the event to Cleveland-area organizations supporting children, families and young adults in the areas of education, health, recreation, employment, entrepreneurship and life skills. Since its inception in 1993, CYF has distributed grants totaling more than $22 million to deserving organizations benefiting Northeast Ohio.
Hitting the links for charity were current Cavs players Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Harris, Alex Kirk, Mike Miller and Dwight Powell. They were joined by many members of the team’s front office and coaching staff. Plus Legends Jim Chones, Zydrunas Ilgauskus, and Campy Russell took part along with dozens of other former Cavs players, such as Wally Szczerbiak, Earl Boykins and Trajan Langdon. Blatt and Griffin, along with players Kevin Love and James Jones, were also out on the greens during the event.
Newly-named Canton Charge head coach, Jordi Fernandez, hit the greens, as did Cleveland Gladiators Head Coach Steve Thonn and his players, Chris Dieker, Dominic Jones, Joe Phinisee and Collin Taylor.
“As an organization, we realize the great opportunity and responsibility we have to give back to those in our community who need it most,” said Len Komoroski, Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena CEO. “We are incredibly appreciative for another tremendous turnout at this year’s Golf Classic, and are thankful for all those who joined us today to make this support for the Cavaliers Youth Fund possible.”
After a full day on the fairway, golfers were treated to a reception with Northeast Ohio flair. Local food trucks The Green Machine, The Mash Box, Swensons, Zydeco Bistro, Mason’s Creamery and Donut Lab provided fun and food. Guests also enjoyed Outback Steakhouse while out on the course during the day. Another popular feature of the annual Golf Classic – held for the fourth straight year at Firestone – is the silent auction, which gives guests the chance to bid on sports memorabilia and unique experiences and items, and raises additional funds for CYF to distribute.