This summer, Len Orr will golf “fore” the memory of a friend.
Orr, a Jamestown resident, has played in nearly all of the JRMC GOLF “fore” GOOD tournaments. Each time, Orr played alongside his friend, the late Jerry Baenen.
Baenen died of cancer and other health issues in December 2016.
The seventh annual GOLF “fore” GOOD Tournament is set for Friday, July 21. Proceeds benefit Jamestown Regional Medical’s Cancer Center. This year, the tournament is in Baenen’s memory.
“Jerry golfed all the time. But, he considered GOLF “fore” GOOD one of his favorites,” Orr said.
A survivor himself, Baenen knew that cancer is not an illness you fight alone. And to help, Baenen volunteered his time with Stutsman County Relay for Life. He would also drive people to their oncology treatments in Bismarck if they needed it.
Orr’s team, “Jerry’s Kids,” consisted of Baenen, who was in his 80s, Orr, age 54, as well as Orr’s stepson, Brent Giesler, and friend, Michael Nogosek, who are both in their 20s. The team played well together, even earning top prize in last year’s tournament.
Baenen played a large role in earning that title.
“I don’t know if we can win this year without Jerry’s putting,” Orr said.
This year, Team “Jerry’s Kids” will again include the kids – Orr, Giesler and Nogosek, as well as Jerry’s own ‘kid’, his daughter, Julie Jeske of Bismarck.
The day will be bittersweet, Jeske said. However, she knows her dad will be smiling down at her. She plans to wear his hat and carry his Fighting Sioux golf bag in his memory. In addition, Jeske’s brother, Steve Baenen of North Carolina, will serve as her caddy.
“This tournament is going to be a special time for me,” she said. “It is an honor to represent my dad.”
The team will wear a moniker in Baenen’s memory. Orr said he plans to design something to pay tribute to his friend.
“GOLF “fore” GOOD is a great excuse to support a great cause,” said Lisa Jackson, JRMC Foundation director. “Miles matter when it comes to cancer care.”
Each year, the JRMC Cancer Center will provide chemotherapy infusions for more than 100 residents of Jamestown and the surrounding communities. Currently, those individuals travel more than 100 miles for care. This will eliminate more than 160,000 miles of travel per year.
Baenen knew that those miles matter, Jeske said.
“Cancer is a battle you don’t fight by yourself,” she said. “It takes a village to help you through it.”
The JRMC Cancer Center will include six infusion rooms. It will also include a consultation area and space for nurses and staff. Last year’s GOLF “fore” GOOD netted more than $26,000.
So far, JRMC Foundation has raised more than $900,000 of its $1.5 million goal.
GOLF “fore” GOOD is also co-sponsored by Davis Real Estate Services and Physicians Realty Trust. Other sponsors include:
- Birdie: $1,000
Central Business Systems
Great River Energy
Hillerud Construction
Sanford Health
Wilhelm Chevrolet Buick GMC - Driving Range: $750
Farmers Union Insurance, Garitt Irey Agency
Neis Bus Service
Ottmar & Ottmar P.C. - Beverage: $500
Community MRI Services, LLC
FocusOne Solutions
To clarify, registration is $100 per player. Registration includes an 18-hole golf scramble, cart, meals, drink tickets and a swag bag (valued at $150). The tournament kicks off at noon at the Jamestown Country Club.
The Hole-in-One is presented by Wilhelm Chevrolet GMC Buick. Finally, the deadline for registration is Friday, July 14.
Finally, for more information contact Jackson or Penny Holland at (701) 952-4880 or
lj******@jr****.com
.