By: KASSANDRA THOMAS
Photo Courtesy: Facebook, Desert Smash
(Gainesville, Ga.) Will Ferrell, comedian and prevalent advocate for Cancer for College, played a big role in the organization’s fundraising event, Desert Showdown, on March 3 and 4.
Cancer for College is an organization dedicated to giving scholarships to youth affected by cancer. Founder and fellow cancer survivor, Craig Pollard, believes college “gave [him] a reason to live” after a bone marrow transplant at age 19. His goal is to give other cancer survivors this gift.
According to the organization’s official website, thanks to Ferrell’s “boundless energy and enthusiasm,” the once small, annual golf tournament fundraiser, which started back in 1994 when the organization was founded, has turned into something much bigger.
Because of Ferrell’s efforts, this year’s event, held at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, California, raised nearly $1 million. Ferrell has transformed a small golf tournament into a golf tournament, celebrity tennis tournament and concert series, featuring artists BoyzIIMen and Nelly. Several celebrities, such as Kevin Spacey and Rebel Wilson, also attended the event. Some of the more generous attendees donated tropical island resorts.
In addition to Ferrell’s involvement in the Desert Showdown, he is a dedicated supporter of the organization in general. He also heads several other events under the organization such as a pub crawl and a comedy show.
One of Ferrell’s more popular efforts for the organization involves a drum-off with look-a-like and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Chad Smith. Ferrell promised a showdown with Smith upon raising $300,000. The funds have been raised and avid supporters are simply awaiting the showdown.
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