Hit Fore Hope Supports UH Seidman Cancer Center
For as long as she can remember, Jami Morris of Orange Village, has loved the game of golf. A member of the Laurel golf team in high school, she was voted team MVP each of her four years. By the time she joined the golf team on a scholarship as a Penn State University freshman last year, she had already won a plethora of awards, including two OHSAA Division II state championships.
Recently, during her first summer break from college, she combined the game she loves with a cause that is just as dear to her heart – cancer research. The first annual Hit Fore Hope benefit, created and organized by Jami, was held on July 11, 2022 at Beechmont Country Club in Pepper Pike. The golf event raised funds to support lymphoma research at UH Seidman Cancer Center, where Jami’s mom has been a patient for the last ten years.
Making a Vision a Reality
Jami’s vision was to coordinate a community partner event that would focus on one goal: fighting cancer one swing at a time. She said, “I really enjoy playing golf, and over the years, I’ve learned that I can use my voice through the game to raise money and awareness for cancer and the necessary research.”
The event was run similarly to the USGA and PGA's Drive, Chip, and Putt. Each participant hit three drives, three chips and three putts. The champion in each division was determined by the participant with the most accumulated points through all three of the skills.
Jami’s initial goal for Hit Fore Hope was to raise $10-$12,000 for cancer research at UH Seidman. She shared, “I don’t want other children to go through what my family and I have dealt with. I want to try to make a difference in the movement to find a cure, and reduce the devastation felt by nearly 2 million families who face a cancer diagnosis every year.”
Hard Work and Determination Pay Off
The hard-earned talent and determination she exhibits on the golf course certainly transferred to her role as philanthropist. An astounding $70,000 and counting was raised to support cancer research, with “checks still arriving in the mail,” she said.
Event sponsor The Gertz/Ressler Foundation, presenting sponsors Integrity Stainless, an Olympic Steel Company and the Morris family were joined by 30 gold, silver and bronze sponsors, and they, along with 70+ participants, made Jami’s vision a reality. Pleased with her first foray into fundraising, she said, “I’ve already started planning next year’s event, and it will be even bigger.”
"Thank you to our community for their love and support," shared Jami. "I want everyone to know that this event could not have been as successful as it was without each and everyone's support."