Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Golf Tournament Raises $189,000 for Youth Programs

Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Golf Tournament Raises $189,000 for Youth Programs

by | Sep 23, 2021 | Events, Features, News

Aloha, OR.  The 17th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament, the Maurice Lucas Foundation raised $189,000 which is almost double last year’s total. The funds support academic and athletic programs for middle school through college students in the Portland area. At the event, former Trail Blazer Channing Frye (seen above on the left) headed out in a golf cart with Jesse Conner. The field of 270 golfers was so large, the double shotgun tournament was spread over two courses at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club on July 29th in Aloha.

Maurice Lucas Foundation Academy members left to right, Marquis Scott, Jaylen Lostheart, and Aiden Cage volunteer at the tournament. All three are high school seniors.

Maurice Lucas Foundation executive director David Lucas addresses the field of competitors at his organization’s golf tournament.

Dark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson (center) stands with his team, which included Jason Daily, Joe Wiser, Nathan Zoucha and Mike Erickson.

Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplies the music at the golf tournament.

Eric Tolento provides a free haircut to actor William Bryant at the event.

Lil Orbits Donuts worker (left) serves up a bag of fresh doughnuts at the Maurice Lucas Foundation golf tournament.

Mike Phillips performs the national anthem on the saxophone at the tournament.

The winning team from Pacific Energy Concepts shot a 52 on the south course. The winners were Wes Mallard, Jonathan and Korean Romano, Will Snow and Jack Dukeminier. The team received a first-class trip to Bend, including transportation on a private jet, lodging in a luxury house and free play at the Tetherow Resort golf course.

The 54 participating celebrities included Trail Blazer broadcaster Bill Schonely; former Trail Blazer players Bobby Gross, Channing Frye and Brian Grant; Oregon State basketball coach Wayne Tinkle and his son, Tres; actress Debbe Dunning; actor William Bryant; comedian Joe Torry; and KOIN-TV newscaster Ken Boddie.

The tourney organizers included many fun elements to the day to make it memorable for the participants. Mike Phillips performed the national anthem on the saxophone. Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplied the music. Eric Tolento provided free haircuts and Thrive Chiropractic gave free massages. Lil Orbits Donuts provided fresh doughnuts, Dutch Bros. provided coffee and Jersey Mike’s provided lunch.

Luxe Christie’s International Real Estate was the main sponsor. D&C Motor Co. was the vehicle sponsor. Hayden Watson and Keeley O’Brien of O’Brien Design and Build helped create the prize for the winning team. Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill provided the meal for the awards dinner.

“This tournament is an important fundraising event for us,” said Executive Director David Lucas. “It continues a tradition started by my dad, the late Maurice Lucas, who loved this community. Thank you so much to all our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this year’s tournament possible.”

About the Maurice Lucas Foundation

The foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the MLF has served more than 2,258 students and families through its Academy program and another 4,320 through basketball camps and teams.

The foundation’s 11th annual Celebration Dinner will take place virtually Thursday, Dec. 9. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.

Maurice Lucas Foundation ^ P.O. Box 1661 ^ Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ^ www.ml20.org

 

Maurice Lucas Foundation Raises Over $600,000 at 10th Annual Gala

Maurice Lucas Foundation Raises Over $600,000 at 10th Annual Gala

by | Oct 3, 2020 | Events, Features, Fundraisers, News

Portland, OR. The Maurice Lucas Foundation held its 10th annual gala on September 18th. The virtual event attracted over 1,000 foundation supporters, and the nonprofit was able to raise over $600,000. Donations will be used for scholarship programs to support under-served students at six high schools in Portland as well as Harriet Tubman Middle School and Parkrose Middle School. It will also go toward the foundation’s academic, character building, and athletic programs for kids and young adults. KOIN-TV news co-anchor Ken Boddie and auctioneer Johnna Lee Wells co-hosted the virtual gala (as seen above). The gala featured videos of students whose lives have been changed through the foundation’s programs.

The Lucas family toasts during the gala. From left: David Lucas, Maurice Jr., and Pam Lucas.

The goal of the Maurice Lucas Foundation is to challenge students to grow and become resilient people and strong leaders through its programs and with counseling, mentoring, and coaching. The nonprofit focuses on students from middle school up to high school and beyond, working to help the kids learn their own potential through sports and education.

Emcee David Lucas holds a photo of his late father, Maurice Lucas.

Nike exec Howard White receives the Enforcer Award.

During the event, the foundation awards its annual Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to the person who does the best at motivating and empowering kids, which were characteristics Maurice Lucas was well known for. This year the award was given to Nike executive Howard White of Portland.

From foundation board chair Todd Hanchett:

“Throughout his long career, Howard has always shared his knowledge and experience with others to enrich the lives of children and those around him. He has focused on being a positive role model to children around the world through his Believe to Achieve programs. Howard exemplifies the spirit of the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award.”

From David Lucas:

“We created the Maurice Lucas Foundation in 2010 to honor my dad’s memory and continue his legacy of helping children in the Portland area. Now, after 10 years, we can proudly say we’ve used tutoring, character development, mentoring, sports and partnership to help 2,238 students and their families and another 4,320 youths through basketball camps and teams. We are committed to serving even more in the years to come.”

A replay of the gala can be found here.