By Lin Sue Flood
Photos courtesy of Hospice of the Valley
It was a picture-perfect day out at Grayhawk Golf Club for Hospice of the Valley’s 2024 Pro-Am Golf Tournament, presented by Cigna Healthcare. The March 28 event in Scottsdale raised over $53,000 for the nonprofit’s charity care programs.
“It’s a tournament that is meaningful for all players. It’s a mission of love; it’s a mission of dignity’ and I love to support it,” says sponsor Tim Louis, who competes every year with wife Amy in memory of his parents.
Volunteer tournament chairman Jay Hoselton started the event in 1998, raising more than $1 million in the years since to help provide compassionate care to thousands of patients and families in need. As a nonprofit, Hospice of the Valley turns no one away and is able to care for all, thanks to community generosity and “friendraisers” such as this.
“As long as I can stand and walk, I’m going to keep running this tournament,” he says. “It’s just a great group with a lot of great people and a great day for a great charity.”
“What they do in the community is just amazing,” adds golfer Jenni Veretto with APRIA, Part of the Owens & Minor Family, “and we are grateful that we get to be partners with them to help take care of their patients.”
Pete Chuchro, Cigna’s general manager for Arizona, echoes that sentiment: “It’s an important mission that brings everybody together.”
This year’s tournament showcased top players from the Southwest Section of the PGA and boasted a $20,000 professional purse. Pro Marty Jertson shot a 68/68 for a total 136 to take home the $4,600 top prize!
To learn more about Hospice of the Valley’s charity care programs or hospice and dementia services, call 602-530-6900, or visit hov.org.
