2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic to be held April 10

By Michele Hester

Elena with tournament organizers Papa John Freeland and Mama Julie Goodrow in a miniature golf cart donated at last year’s Elena Golf Classic.


Before moving to Dawson County just a few years ago, Larry Freeland was a loyal volunteer at community events and could always be counted on if someone needed him.
Freeland is still involved in many community activities. In November, he stood as Master of Ceremonies for Dawson County’s Inaugural Veteran’s Day Parade and Celebration. He tries to keep himself involved, but since his granddaughter Elena was born, his devotion has shifted a bit.

Elena Goodrow, who celebrated her 23 month birthday on Feb. 3, is her Papa’s pride and joy. Her eyes sparkle when she’s around and his life is different because of this tiny angel. Elena was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a life threatening genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the U.S. A startling 12 million Americans are symptom less carriers of the defective gene that can cause CF.

People with Cystic Fibrosis suffer from chronic and often fatal lung infections and have difficulty digesting food. “At some point in their life, everyone with CF will experience lung and digestive problems,” said Freeland. “Right now Elena is having a hard time with digestion. Getting her to put on weight and keep it on is a problem we’re facing now.”

With the birth of Elena, Freeland began working to raise awareness for CF and also raise money for research, which in recent years has made enormous steps in treating the CF symptoms. Freeland wants Elena and the more than 30,000 other Americans suffering with the disease to live long and healthy lives.

Last year, Freeland and Elena’s mother, Julie Goodrow, organized the Inaugural Elena Golf Classic at Chestatee Golf Club. The event boasted 53 sponsorships, 107 golfers, over 20 volunteers, thousands of dollars in prize donations and yielded a check for $27,000 for Cystic Fibrosis. “We were tickled to death it went so well last year,” said Freeland. The family was humbled by the level of participation and support the Elena Golf Classic received in the name of such a worthy cause.

Freeland knows this year’s tournament set for April 10 will be even more of a success. “Our goal this year is to raise more than $30,000,” he said. “We’re confident we can do that.”

Freeland says players can feel confident knowing that 92 percent of every dollar donated is used to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s vital research programs. Donations ensure children with CF will live longer and see improvement in their quality of life. When the CFF was founded five decades ago, children with CF were not expected to see their first day of school.

Today, more than 40 percent of the CF population is over the age of 18, with the average life expectancy now at 35.5 years. Freeland said everyday researchers move closer to finding a cure for Elena and her peers, but more funding is needed to make it a reality.

A single player participation in the 2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic is $175, a team of two is $325 and a team of four is $650. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and a raffle ticket good toward thousands of dollars in prizes.

Hole sponsorships are also available for $200 and include a display at the clubhouse and a hole, as well as inserts in gift packs. Platinum sponsorships for $850 include hole sponsorship and registration for team of four golfers.

For more information on the 2nd Annual Elena Golf Classic at Chestatee Golf, call Larry Freeland at(706) 216-4911. A registration form is also available online at www.elenagolfclassic.com.