Posted by Margaret Stargell | 08.29.2023 | News
Novant Health named presenting sponsor of 2023 Willie Stargell Celebrity Invitational
[Wilmington, NC – August 29, 2023] – The Willie Stargell Foundation is pleased to announce Novant Health is the presenting sponsor of the 21st annual Willie Stargell Celebrity Invitational. The event will be held at the Country Club of Landfall from November 3-5. The three-day event includes a sponsor and celebrity reception, gala and golf. The gala includes live and silent auctions, which provides funding to assist area residents living with chronic kidney disease. It will also support medical facilities in the greater Wilmington area that provide much-needed care. “We are honored that Novant Health has made this commitment to support the advancement of our mission,” said Margaret Weller-Stargell, president of the Willie Stargell Foundation. “This event is our Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and we couldn’t do it without the support of our sponsors. Given our longstanding partnership with our local hospital to ensure quality care for those living with kidney disease, this is the perfect match.” The Willie Stargell Foundation has been a longtime donor to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Earlier this year, the Stargell Foundation donated $120,000 to the NHRMC Foundation to fund the purchase of four new dialysis machines. In 2006, the dialysis unit at the hospital was named the Willie “Pops” Stargell Dialysis Unit. Established in 2002, the Willie Stargell Foundation works to secure funding to support treatment, financial assistance, research, and educational programs with a mission to help provide a healthier life for people diagnosed with kidney disease. Close to 50 celebrities attend the event each year. They include current and retired major league baseball players, NFL and NBA legends, and actors.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of hospitals, physician clinics and outpatient facilities that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and over 36,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, including 16 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2022, Novant Health provided more than $1.5 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
About Willie Stargell Foundation
The Willie Stargell Foundation supports programs focusing on kidney disease research, patient care, and easing the financial burden of medical costs for patients facing kidney disease, in honor of Baseball Hall of Fame Member Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Stargell passed away in 2001 after a lengthy battle with renal failure. Having spent the last five years of his life receiving dialysis treatments, it was his desire that patients who need dialysis be able to receive it, and that it be done in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Stargell’s widow, Margaret Weller-Stargell, wanted to do everything in her power to make his wishes come true.
About Willie Stargell
Willie Stargell, nicknamed “Pops”, spent his 21-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988, in his first year of eligibility. An intimidating left-handed batter, Stargell helped the Pirates win the World Series Championships in 1971 and 1979.