Aloha, OR. The 17th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament, the Maurice Lucas Foundation raised $189,000 which is almost double last year’s total. The funds support academic and athletic programs for middle school through college students in the Portland area. At the event, former Trail Blazer Channing Frye (seen above on the left) headed out in a golf cart with Jesse Conner. The field of 270 golfers was so large, the double shotgun tournament was spread over two courses at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club on July 29th in Aloha.
Maurice Lucas Foundation Academy members left to right, Marquis Scott, Jaylen Lostheart, and Aiden Cage volunteer at the tournament. All three are high school seniors.
Maurice Lucas Foundation executive director David Lucas addresses the field of competitors at his organization’s golf tournament.
Dark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson (center) stands with his team, which included Jason Daily, Joe Wiser, Nathan Zoucha and Mike Erickson.
Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplies the music at the golf tournament.
Eric Tolento provides a free haircut to actor William Bryant at the event.
Lil Orbits Donuts worker (left) serves up a bag of fresh doughnuts at the Maurice Lucas Foundation golf tournament.
Mike Phillips performs the national anthem on the saxophone at the tournament.
The winning team from Pacific Energy Concepts shot a 52 on the south course. The winners were Wes Mallard, Jonathan and Korean Romano, Will Snow and Jack Dukeminier. The team received a first-class trip to Bend, including transportation on a private jet, lodging in a luxury house and free play at the Tetherow Resort golf course.
The 54 participating celebrities included Trail Blazer broadcaster Bill Schonely; former Trail Blazer players Bobby Gross, Channing Frye and Brian Grant; Oregon State basketball coach Wayne Tinkle and his son, Tres; actress Debbe Dunning; actor William Bryant; comedian Joe Torry; and KOIN-TV newscaster Ken Boddie.
The tourney organizers included many fun elements to the day to make it memorable for the participants. Mike Phillips performed the national anthem on the saxophone. Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplied the music. Eric Tolento provided free haircuts and Thrive Chiropractic gave free massages. Lil Orbits Donuts provided fresh doughnuts, Dutch Bros. provided coffee and Jersey Mike’s provided lunch.
Luxe Christie’s International Real Estate was the main sponsor. D&C Motor Co. was the vehicle sponsor. Hayden Watson and Keeley O’Brien of O’Brien Design and Build helped create the prize for the winning team. Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill provided the meal for the awards dinner.
“This tournament is an important fundraising event for us,” said Executive Director David Lucas. “It continues a tradition started by my dad, the late Maurice Lucas, who loved this community. Thank you so much to all our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this year’s tournament possible.”
About the Maurice Lucas Foundation
The foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the MLF has served more than 2,258 students and families through its Academy program and another 4,320 through basketball camps and teams.
The foundation’s 11th annual Celebration Dinner will take place virtually Thursday, Dec. 9. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.
Maurice Lucas Foundation ^ P.O. Box 1661 ^ Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ^ www.ml20.org
