The seventh annual Willie Stargell Celebrity Golf Tournament Weekend was held at the
Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 13th through 16th,
2009. That weekend celebrated the memory of my late husband, Willie Stargell, with friends,
guests, celebrities, exciting events and a golf tournament, with proceeds supporting the Willie
Stargell Foundation, a private, non-profit volunteer organization raising money for kidney disease
research and the treatment of individuals struggling with kidney disease.
The Willie Stargell Foundation has raised nearly one million dollars over the past six years, with
donations benefiting the American Kidney Fund, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (the
Willie Stargell Dialysis Center), the UNCW School of Nursing, the Cape Fear Community
College School of Nursing, the National Kidney Foundation and its Kidneyville Cruiser (the Willie Stargell Testing
lab), and most recently awarded checks to local kidney patients needing assistance with medical bills.
Willie passed away on April 9, 2001 after a valiant fight with kidney disease. His quiet courage and determination in
battling many illnesses as a result of this disease, was remarkable. Every year since 2003, many committed individuals,
including former teammates and friends of Willie, come together to celebrate his remarkable life while raising money
to help improve the quality of life for another person living with kidney disease.
Thank you to all who joined us Friday, November 13th through Monday, November 16, 2009. Your support is invaluable as it allows us to provide both assistance to those living with kidney disease in
need of financial assistance, and funding support for those working tirelessly to find ways to
combat this deadly disease. There are approximately 26 million Americans living with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
and millions of others who are at increased risk for the disease and other health issues due to complications with CKD.
Your support and generosity, especially during this economic downturn, is sincerely appreciated.
Margaret Weller-Stargell
President |
