On Monday, June 10, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation welcomed 146 golfers to the exclusive Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, raising more than $330,000 for New England cancer patients and their families. Of that amount raised, more than $40,000 will specifically go towards JAF’s Financial Assistance Program, supporting rent/mortgage, utilities, car insurance and repairs, food, transportation to treatment, and extraordinary needs.
The tournament presented by Apotho Therapeutics/Frankie’s International Bistro provided golfers with beautiful weather and spectacular views. Attendees enjoyed breakfast in the clubhouse sponsored by Majestic Construction before heading to the flagpole for the official shotgun start sponsored by Group 1 Automotive. In their carts, golfers were reminded of ‘Why We Play’ patient stories sponsored by Brewster Ambulance.
Joe and Jen Andruzzi welcomed guests with some opening remarks:
“Thank you to all sponsors, players, our Golf Committee, and volunteers for making this day so successful. Thank celebrity friends for coming out to support! Of course, we’re all here to support cancer patients and families. We can’t do it without you.” said Chief Engagement Officer, Joe Andruzzi.
Our Foundation is here to help friends, family, neighbors, employees, and co-workers who someday may hear the words ‘You have cancer.’ It’s a day for fun and laughs – but we ask that you keep the Foundation’s mission and the patients we serve in mind.” added President and CEO Jen Andruzzi.
Celebrities who joined us on the course or for dinner were former New England Patriots stars Russ Hochstein and Patrick Pass, former Patriots coaches Ivan Fears and Matt Patricia, Jared Haibon from ABC’s The Bachelor, actor Kevin Chapman, and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens.
Golfers took to the driving range sponsored by Revise and the putting green sponsored by C.M. Cleaning. Showing off their skills, many competed to see who had the longest drive and the closest ball to the pin. They also had some extra fun firing off an Air Cannon on the 13th hole sponsored by the Kagan Family —even Jen tried it out! In between play, players were treated to lunch on the course sponsored by Bob’s Discount Furniture with beverages sponsored by Landmark Medical.
The fun and games continued with our Chance Prize Drawing sponsored by DraftKings, which offered the opportunity to win one of three great prizes, and the Passport sponsored by Lane, Lane & Kelly, LLC, which gave players a mulligan and a chance to play in the putting contest.
The fun didn’t stop there. After the play finished, attendees enjoyed a fabulous cocktail hour sponsored by GlideFast, and the Helicopter Ball Drop gathered everyone on the patio before heading into dinner sponsored by the Derenzo Charitable Foundation.
JAF’s online auction, presented by Amplix, drew incredible participation from both golfers and at-home supporters alike. Auction items this year included: Tickets to AMAZING concerts this summer, Noah Kahn, Hootie and the Blowfish, Kenny Chesney & Zac Brown Band, Zach Bryan, and PINK! Also featured were VIP dinners, unique getaways, golf foursomes around New England, tickets to the Red Sox and Patriots!
During the meal, guests watched our Mission Video, sponsored by Phoenix Communications, featuring Paul, a JAF patient recipient. Paul shared how the Foundation helped with multiple bills, such as car insurance, food, and dental work. Paul’s story demonstrated the multiple ways JAF has expanded its support to help improve outcomes for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
The appeal was again expertly hosted by WEEI’s Nick “Fitzy” Stevens, who didn’t stop there. Nick treated the audience to ‘roast’ our co-founder and 3x Super Bowl Champion Joe Andruzzi. Joe was a great sport, sharing the laughs about his type with the Patriots and even some of his former teammates.
JAF would like to thank the following who helped make this unbelievable day possible:
Black Rock Country Club, for hosting us at their majestic course for the fourth straight year.
Apotho Therapeutics/Frankie’s International Bistro, for being our tournament sponsor and for their continued generosity in providing all golfers with a fantastic, customized cooler as a gift.
Well Told Design for donating the signature stainless steel cups for our golfers!
CVS and Ally’s Cookies for donating delicious treats for our golfer snack bags!
The Kagan Family for providing custom-etched, exclusive La Leyenda Blanco Mezcal bottles for the tournament champions.
Golfers, for taking the time to play for New England cancer patients.
Golf Sponsors for their continued support of JAF’s mission.
Luke Renchan Entertainment for playing all our favorite tunes.
Stacey Howard Photography, for chronicling the entire day in photos.
Golf Committee: Thank you to Ken Rosa, Pete Zampine, Tom Madigan, and Mike McDonagh for their guidance and efforts these past few months to help make this a first-class event.
Volunteers, from the early morning set-up to the sunset closing, everything in between. We couldn’t do it without you!
Board and staff members who consistently play, sponsor, donate, and help run this event.
Thank you again to all our supporters and sponsors for continuing to believe in our mission. It was a fantastic day at Black Rock Country Club, and we at JAF can’t wait until next year’s tournament!
2025 Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament: It’s never too early to get involved in this outstanding event. If you’d like to renew your sponsorship, become a new partner, donate an auction item, or join the committee, contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org for more information or to put your name on this list!
