HENDERSON, Nev. -- Tuscany Golf Club sits in the lower Henderson southeastern valley offering its’ patrons a memorable golf experience. But the staff of Tuscany Golf Club has more on their minds than just golf. Over the past year, the staff has taken on the mission of benefiting local organizations that have made personal impacts.

The golf club hosted a "100 Holes of Golf" fundraiser Jan. 26, 2010 benefiting the Zelzah Shrine Temple’s Transportation Fund (The Shriners) and the local Nevada Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The Shriners Transportation Fund is a program that provides free transportation for children with burn and spinal cord injuries and orthopedic conditions to Shriners hospitals. The JDRF provides education and support for children and their families touched by the disease and supports research to find a cure. Tuscany Golf Club General Manager, Chad Gunier, PGA, and Assistant Golf Professional, Ryan Ketchum, were supported by members and guests who sponsored each birdie obtained throughout a golf game of 100 holes.

The choice of these two organizations hit especially home for the staff players. Diagnosed with a dislocated hip at the age of one and a half years, Ryan Ketchum required weeks of medical evaluation and an operation to correct the hip. Faced with the uncertainty of paying for the looming medical bills, Ketchum’s parents were approached by Shriners Children’s Hospital and were offered the necessary medical treatment at no financial obligation. Ryan spent three weeks at Shriner’s Childrens Hospital for evaluation and another 5 months in a body cast following the hip correction operation. “I feel that without Shriners Children’s Hospital I wouldn’t have gotten the medical treatment that I needed. Because of them I can walk, run and play any sport I want. I can also follow my dream of becoming a Head Golf Professional.” says Ketchum.

In 2009, the two year old son of Chad Gunier was struck with a sudden illness that required admittance to an intensive care unit. His diagnosis was type 1 diabetes. He now receives shots of insulin at least twice daily, multiple finger pricks for blood sugar monitoring, and stringent measuring of all food intake. “Witnessing the first hand challenges that children with this disease are faced with, I am pleased to be in a position to help bring awareness and support to the local JDRF chapter in their efforts to educate and inspire hope for those afflicted. I thank all of our member and guests who supported us in benefiting these two organizations.” said Gunier.

The club plans to continue its annual benefit efforts. For more information about upcoming tournaments and events, contact Tuscany Golf Club (702) 951-1500.

Contact: Chad Gunier
Tel: 702-951-1500
Email: cgunier@tuscanygolfclub.com