PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – THE PLAYERS volunteer leadership – the Red Coats – accompanied by PGA TOUR player Jim Furyk kicked off Giving Back Month at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse by hosting a surprise "Dream Party" for Dreams Come True. The dreamer, Brad Ratzlaff, is a local 19-year-old graduate of Orange Park High School who is battling acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. At the party, Ratzlaff was joined by his father, Guy Ratzlaff; mother, Laura Ratzlaff; and brother, Tyler Ratzlaff.
During the Dream Party, Brad received a number of surprises from Furyk and THE PLAYERS, including a family trip to Maui for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January, a new set of golf clubs, the opportunity to walk with Furyk inside-the-ropes during the tournament's pro-am and spending money for the week. In addition to the dream fulfillment, THE PLAYERS made a surprise $10,000 donation to Dreams Come True.
"It's an honor to be part of such a heart-warming event," said Furyk. "Brad's passion for golf is evident. The Ratzlaff family has been through so much and I look forward to spending more time with them in Maui during the Hyundai Tournament of Champions."
In 2006, Ryan's father Guy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer that affects the bones. He was originally told he had five years to live. He opted to participate in a clinical drug study and had a stem cell transplant. His cancer has been in remission since 2007. Guy has been a PLAYERS Championship volunteer for 10 years.
"In 1984, THE PLAYERS hosted our very first Dream with Fred Couples," said Dreams Come True executive director Sheri Criswell. "Since then, THE PLAYERS has continued to be a strong supporter of Dreams Come True, and for that we are extremely grateful."
Other Giving Back Month events include Jeff Klauk visiting Angelwood on November 4; the annual charity announcement at TPC Sawgrass on November 11; and a visit to K9s for Warriors on November 16. The money generated by THE PLAYERS each year benefits more than 300 charities throughout Northeast Florida, totaling approximately $67.5 million in charitable giving since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977.