The Ford Field & River Club played host to Hop On A Cure’s inaugural golf benefit, Driving Towards a Cure for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease — bringing participants from across the country together to raise money and awareness for the disease. The day was filled with friendly competition, a silent auction, incredible Lowcountry cuisine and an intimate concert by John Driskell Hopkins, founder of Hop On A Cure and a founding member of the GRAMMY award-winning Zac Brown Band. With the help of all who attended and supported, Driving Towards a Cure for ALS was a resounding success, raising $360,000 for research and the development of new treatments.
Fondly known as “Hop,” Hopkins and his wife Jennifer established Hop On A Cure in response to his ALS diagnosis in 2021, with a mission of “supporting research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS while raising awareness, building a compassionate community, and unleashing the healing power of hope.” Hopkins’ journey has served as a profound inspiration to many as he and his family confront this debilitating disease. “I am so filled with love and hope after spending time with a community who shares our deep commitment to finding a cure for ALS,” says Hopkins. “The Ford was the perfect partner to tee off our first ever golf benefit. Jennifer and I hope to return soon.”
More than 140 participants, including Olympic gold medal swimmer Steve Lundquist, engaged in a day of camaraderie, competition and shared purpose on the award-winning, Pete Dye-designed course. After the outing, attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour at The Main House followed by a mouthwatering feast prepared by The Ford’s new Executive Chef Luis Young and his team, complete with a classic seafood boil of local shrimp, potatoes, corn and sausage.
The Ford’s Director of Golf, Ryan Skipton, who lost his father to ALS in 2020, played a pivotal role in creating, organizing and garnering support for the event. “It meant a lot to me to contribute to an event that would raise awareness and funds to find a cure,” explains Skipton. “With the incredible support of The Ford and its members, we were able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, a testament to the unwavering commitment to Hop On A Cure’s mission.”
As we reflect on the incredible turnout and success of Driving Towards a Cure for ALS, we’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who made the event possible. We are honored to provide a platform for the remarkable work of Hop On A Cure and look forward to hosting more events like this one in the future.
If you’d like more information or to donate to Hop On A Cure, please visit https://www.hoponacure.org.
Images courtesy of Jolie Loren
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