June 16, 2008 Media contact: Krista Hopson
E-mail: khopson@umich.edu
Phone: 734-764-2220

Stanley Cup referee to host golf benefit for transplant kids

July 7 golf outing to raise funds for Camp Michitanki; Registration now open

Stanley Cup referee to host golf benefit for transplant kids Camp Michitanki

Learn more:
U-M Transplant Center

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Ann Arbor, Mich. – On Monday, July 7 NHL Stanley Cup referee Dan O’Halloran will trade in his skates for a set of golf clubs as the Master of Ceremonies for the Camp Michitanki Golf Classic at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Ann Arbor.  O’Halloran’s son, who is a liver transplant recipient, was a camper and is now a counselor at Camp Michitanki.

The golf event will help raise funds for Camp Michitanki (Michigan Transplant Kids), the University of Michigan Transplant Center’s summer camp for children who have received organ transplants. Camp Michitanki is open to children who have received transplants at any hospital. This summer, Camp Michitanki expects to host about 100 kids.

The Camp Michitanki Golf Classic is a four person scramble with prizes for the top team and many on-course contests. The event begins with registration at 10 a.m. followed by a lunch and an open driving range before the 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. At 5 p.m., a silent auction will begin, followed by a live auction and dinner.  Auction items include autographed NHL jerseys, framed works of art, a private jet getaway, golf equipment and more.

Event sponsors include Victory Honda, Hantz Air, Behler-Young, La Jolla Fine Jewelry, Yes! Golf, eHealth Global, A&N Electric, Essential Pharmaceuticals, Jazzercise, Miles of Golf, Nickent Golf, Adams Golf, Rock Financial Showplace, Grand Hotel, Marsh Ridge Resort, Crystal Mountain, and Northfield Manufacturing.
 
Early registration is available. The outing is $150 per golfer, and opportunities remain for hole sponsorships at $250. Hold sponsorships include two tickets to the dinner and auction. Dinner and auction tickets also can be purchased for $50 each. For more information about the Golf Classic, please call 734-936-3460 or visit www.michigantransplant.org.

About CampMichitanki
Camp Michitanki campers have the opportunity to build confidence, develop new friendships and understand their health conditions while experiencing the joys of summer camp.
 
Many transplant recipients are discouraged from attending other summer camps due to their challenging medication schedules and special medical care requirements. Camp Michitanki’s unique setting, however, provides an opportunity for transplant kids to test their personal physical and social limits, experience a variety of accomplishments and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Campers also participate in discussions of ongoing medical needs and strategies for integrating post-transplant regimens with routine daily activities.

For more information, contact Bob Garypie, Transplant Center Events Director, by phone at 734-936-3460 or by e-mail at rgarypie@umich.edu.