More than $24,000 raised for CF research at Tee-It-Up for a Cure

For seven years, families and friends of three special kids have come together to raise money for a cure. The Tee-It-Up for a Cure Golf Tournament once again exceeded expectations and raised more than $24,000 to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The tournament, held June 23, brought together more than 40 teams of four golfers each to Gateway Golf Course to raise money for cystic fibrosis research.

The event hits close to home for many in the community with three kids, Taylor Pendroy, Abi Teeter and Bryson Lefler all diagnosed with the disease.

“Every year we are moved beyond anything words could express for the generosity of so many people to make Tee It Up a huge success. This year is no different,” organizer Pat Pendroy said. “Thank you beautiful village for your support and love. It is days like this that give us hope for finding a cure.”

Pat Pendroy, grandmother to Taylor
Pendroy, said it is hard to put into words how to thank those who give to help the children live a longer, healthier and happier life. The outpouring of support the kids and their families have received since being diagnosed is something she is continually thankful for.

The tournament brought together many of those people, along with many participants from outside of the CF circle to play nine holes of golf, bid on a variety of silent auction items and have a good time friends, new and old.

“The morning always fills up because people would rather play when it is cooler,” Pendroy said. “We also had unbelievable silent auction items and more sponsors than we have ever had before.”

To date, the tournament, which was conceived after the Teeter family approached the Pendroys about holding a golf tournament fundraiser following Taylor’s diagnosis, has raised more than $100,000 for cystic fibrosis research.

“At that time, a modest goal of $6,000 was set,” Pendroy said “The tournament was a huge success, and the two families raised more than $12,000 at the 1st Annual Tee-It-Up for a Cure tournament. The support from the community was overwhelming.”

A couple of years later, Bryson Lefler, who is the son of Blake and Kari Lefler, was diagnosed with CF not long after he was born. At that time, Kari, a former resident of Monroe and Prairie City with family still living in the communities, was welcomed into the “village” of those fighting for a cure.

“Community support over the years has been amazing. Kori Teeter, Abi’s mother, refers to this community of supporters as her ‘village, our village,” Pendroy said. “Our village includes family and friends that support us during times of illness, and rejoice with us at the tournament when we exceed our fundraising goals.”

Through the support of the village, records continue to break, research is funded and a cure becomes closer than it has ever been before. While the work is ongoing, Pendroy said in their village “no on fights alone.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com