Misryoum reports on Drive Fore Kids expanding its celebrity field, with proceeds supporting children’s care and cancer support.
A celebrity tee-off is coming to Maine, and the Drive Fore Kids golf tournament is leaning even harder into star power for a cause with local roots.
The fourth edition of the fundraising event returns June 25–28 at Falmouth County Club. with Misryoum highlighting that proceeds will support the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and The Dempsey Center.. Among the newest celebrity entrants is Ollie Wright. a midfielder for the Portland Hearts of Pine. who said he “jumped at the opportunity” after learning about the lineup he would be playing alongside.. For Wright, the appeal was both the scale of the stage and the chance to connect beyond regular sports venues.
Insight: Events like Drive Fore Kids blend entertainment with community giving, and the celebrity field often helps keep attention on health-focused missions long after the final putt.
This year’s announced field includes 38 committed players, the largest group so far, with a few invitations still pending.. The roster features major sports figures across leagues. including NFL Hall of Famers Jerome Bettis. Ronde Barber. Dwight Freeney and Sterling Sharpe. along with Red Sox World Series winners Jon Lester. Clay Buchholz and Keith Foulke.. Also joining the mix is former NBA superstar Vince Carter.
Insight: A bigger field matters because it can translate into wider reach and more momentum for the organizations at the center of the tournament’s mission.
The tournament is also introducing five new celebrity participants.. In addition to Wright. Misryoum reports that Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little. professional skateboarder Sean Malto. Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard. and Maine native Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder Seth Wescott are set to take part.. Wright. meanwhile. framed his own expectations with a practical mindset. noting he will have time to practice and focusing on keeping the ball in play.
In the broader push to grow the event. organizers say Drive Fore Kids has been building size and recognition over successive editions.. Misryoum also notes that the event has added major sponsorship support. bringing in MasterCard as a primary sponsor alongside Bangor Savings Bank.. Tournament leadership is aiming for a noticeable jump in attendance, while emphasizing that the strongest draw remains close to home.
Insight: When an audience is concentrated locally, high-profile entrants can amplify community pride while still keeping the attention on the people the fundraiser is designed to help.
For Patrick Dempsey, the connection is personal and ongoing, with Misryoum describing his return after missing last year.. Organizers and leadership around the Dempsey Center have pointed to his Maine ties as part of why his participation resonates. especially for a cause grounded in supporting families and patients.. With a packed lineup and a familiar fundraising mission. Drive Fore Kids appears set to turn a major summer spotlight into meaningful support.