Pujols Family Foundation’s Matt Holliday Golf Classic

Celebrites and golfers converged on  Meadowbrook Country Club for the 12th Annual Pujols Family Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, hosted by Matt Holliday, Monday, August 4, 2014. Albert Pujols was traveling with the Los Angelas Angels, but his legacy is perpetuated by the foundation’s mission: “faith, family, others”. Practically everyone among the sell-out crowd shared a passion to help others. Net proceeds from the event benefitted the Pujols Family Foundation, which works with children suffering from Down’s Syndrome, improves the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished children and orphans in the Dominican Republic, and provides extraordinary experiences for people with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses.

For those who attended, spotting a celebrity became as easy as striking a pose.  Cardinal outfielder Matt Holliday led a list of sports and media personalities that included special guest George Lopez; Meadowlark Lemon (Harlem Globetrotters legend); Cardinals Hall of Fame second baseman/coach Red Schoendienst, outfielder Lou Brock and managers Whitey Herzog and Tony LaRussa; Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, field manager Mike Matheny, hitting coach John Mabry; Fox Sports Midwest broadcasters Al Hrabosky, Pat Parris, Andy Benes; KSDK Sports Director Rene Knott; and former Cardinals relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen. Several Cardinals teammates made an appearance: outfielder John Jay, infielder Daniel Descalso, pitchers Sam Freeman, Kevin Siegrist, Lance Lynn, Jason Motte, second baseman Kolten Wong, first baseman Matt Adams, and All-Star pitcher Adam Wainwright.

The golfers enjoyed an early 10:00 AM shotgun start with several beverage and food stations scattered throughout the course to hydrate and nourish the spirits. Smoothie King, Vincent Van Doughnuts, J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, McAlister’s Deli, Pappy’s Smokehouse, Pujols Kitchen, Sweet Success, Starbuck’s, Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill, and Athlete Eats comprised a few of the options available.

When the last of the golfers returned, they shifted their attention to bidding on some incredible silent auction items. Then everyone sat down for a multiple course dinner while PFF staff members and supporters talked about the reason why everyone had gathered: to help children with Down syndrome and impoverished people in the Dominican Republic. Video highlights also reinforced some of the work the PFF does, and the message of hope it brings.

In the end, it all came back to helping others. Deidre Pujols noted earlier that Albert feels healthy and is playing at a level we have come to expect. However, the Foundation’s launch as a national organization really brings them the most pride. The PFF has expanded its mission to incorporate St. Louis, Southern California, Kansas City, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. The national effort reflects an amazing opportunity to affect positively the lives of thousands of children and adults living with Down syndrome.