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Springfield, LA, February 12, 2023 — The Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana is spotlighting people and organizations who are making a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Community partner, Big’s Golf Club, is championing the Northshore Walk to End Alzheimer’s —the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research that will take place this fall.

On March 23, 2023, Big’s Golf Club is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament at Carter Plantation in Springfield in support of Alzheimer’s research, programming, and support.

In addition to a round of golf with a cart fee included, participants will enjoy food, drinks, prizes, and information on The Alzheimer’s Association programs and services. The event is open to club members as well as the public, and all proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Big’s Golf Club (B.G.C.) is a not-for-profit foundation committed to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and acknowledging those affected by it. B.G.C. is dedicated to the club’s founder’s amazing dad, Don “Big Daddy” Ellen, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. Those who know someone suffering from Alzheimer’s, know just how difficult coping with this disease is. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect one person. it affects spouses, children, immediate family members, and friends. It’s a frustrating, confusing, and complicated disease that nobody should go through alone.

“Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia affects many in our community, and that number is growing. We are honored to support the Alzheimer’s Association by hosting the charity golf outing to raise funds that will propel the Association’s mission forward—accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 that cannot be cured, prevented, or even slowed. Additionally, more than 11 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In Louisiana alone, there are more than 92,000 people living with the disease and 260,000 caregivers.

“Big’s Golf Club is committed to collaborating with our community partners to create a safety net around those impacted by dementia,” said founders Alivia and Sam Ellen. Carter Plantation is home to PGA champion and Louisiana native David Toms’ first signature design and the course was a recipient of Golf Magazine’s “Top 10 Courses You Can Play”. The spectacular 18-hole, 7,000-plus yard, par-72 golf course winds through three distinct Louisiana landscapes – live oak flats, cypress wetlands, and upland pine forests.

Big’s Golf Club is looking for:

HOLE SPONSORS (all hole sponsors receive a team)

TEAMS

DONATIONS

To register for Bigs Golf Club Tournament, visit https://www.bigsgolfclub.com/sign-up or email Alivia Ellen at aliviaellen@bigsgolfclub.com. The cost to participate is $500 per team ( teams include up to 4 players) or $600 for a hole sponsorship.

About Big’s Golf Club:

Big’s (B.G.C.), a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to educating, advocating, and honoring those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  It was Don Ellen’s big presence that earned him the nickname “Big Daddy”. He was the life of the party, a friend to all, with a killer work ethic…and a BIG passion for golf. He worked hard and played hard, and took pride in his relationships. To know him was to love him! 

 As a young man, Big played football for Louisiana State University and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He left to serve in the Vietnam War – the same year that the Dolphins won the Super Bowl! Life after Vietnam saw a return to football, with a coaching role at Louisiana Monroe. This was followed by a successful career in the chicken business…and the rest is history. From then on, he enjoyed the company of his family and friends, and poured energy into his one true love: golf.

 Big lived and breathed golf. He was a respected member of several country clubs, making friends both on and off the grounds. Throughout his life, he gave his time and resources to many fundraisers – even those unrelated to golf! He was a giver, not a taker, and the kind of man we all hope to be.