Metro Detroit’s largest celebrity golf tournament brought together stars from film, television, and sports to raise over $1.3 million for pediatric healthcare and youth programming.
Held June 9, the fifth annual Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational was co-hosted by the Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The event featured more than 50 national and local celebrities and generated funding through sponsorships, a spirited live auction, and on-site donations.
Proceeds from the event will support Children’s Miracle Network programs at Corewell Health Children’s in Michigan and initiatives led by the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The funds will help provide life-saving medical services, vital pediatric equipment, patient scholarships and youth services nationwide.
“We are delighted with the incredible success of this event and the impact it has on our patients and the community,” said Ryan Daly, president of Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan. “Corewell Health Children’s will receive support to provide life-saving services, vital pediatric equipment, and funds for patient scholarships... and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation will utilize funds to improve the quality of life for youth across the country.”
Among the event’s participants were actors Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Chapman, Jamie Denton and Kevin Sorbo, as well as sports figures including Calvin Johnson, Bruce Bowen, Bode Miller and Nancy Lieberman. Each foursome was paired with a celebrity, offering attendees an up-close experience with the stars.
The day began with a lighthearted “putting challenge” between Wahlberg and three young “Miracle” children representing the more than 200,000 pediatric patients treated annually by Corewell Health Children’s.
A live auction later in the day raised more than $300,000, with high-value items including an Italian Villa stay, a Gavin Goode “Liberty” painting, and a guitar signed by 20 country music artists.
“Being part of this event each year and seeing the support and generosity of so many people is so inspiring,” said Jay Feldman, chairman and CEO of Feldman Automotive and Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group. “We will continue to strive to raise more money each year to be able support those families in need.”
The event was made possible by lead sponsor Feldman Automotive Group, along with presenting sponsors Quantum Ventures, the Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Family Foundation, and TI Automotive. More than 50 additional sponsors, including the Celani Family Foundation and CIBC, contributed to the success of the fundraiser.
A committee of dedicated community members, including Tom Celani, Nino Cutraro, Feldman, Ken Noonan, Bob Skandalaris and Sam Yamin, played a key role in planning and executing the event.
