Andy North to speak at Pro-Pres., Golf & Green event

  In conjunction with Mr. North’s appearance, a silent charity auction will be held with proceeds benefiting The Bruce Edwards ALS Research Foundation, Inc. Mr. North was a close friend of Bruce Edwards, who passed away from ALS, the devastating neuromuscular condition for which there is no known cause or cure.

  "It’s horrible when you have to see a friend go through what he had to go through," said North, who joined the Tour in 1972, a year after Watson. "Hopefully because of the recognition of Tom and Bruce, some good can be done."

  Edwards caddied for the legendary Tom Watson on the PGA and Champions Tour (from 1973-89 and 1992-2003). North and his caddie Gary Crandall joined the PGA Tour a year or so later. The two groups became close friends almost immediately.

  "I understood Lou Gehrig’s disease (as ALS is commonly known), but I didn’t understand the really ugly parts of it," added North. "It’s not a disease like cancer or heart disease where you know someone who became sick. It was an issue that you didn’t know a lot of people who had it, and watching it first hand and learning it first hand, you realize how awful it is."

  Even before Edwards’ passing in 2004, the Foundation began raising awareness and funds for ALS research. The most visible Foundation function has been the one-day golf tournament held in September at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mill, Md. This year the Foundation is hoping for $1 million in donations from that day.

  The Golf Association of Philadelphia’s silent auction will offer Pro-Pres., Golf & Green tournament participants an opportunity to bid on various golf rounds at a number of the organization’s clubs. Autographed sports memorabilia will also be available.

  "This is an opportunity for the Association to do its part against a debilitating disease," said Dan Burton, the Golf Association of Philadelphia President. "Bruce was such a great inspiration to all of us, not just those in the golfing community, that any little part we can assist in helping find a cure for this horrendous disease is the least we can do."

  For a complete list of auction items, visit the GAP Web site at www.gapgolf.org.

  For more information, contact Martin Emeno, Director of Operations, at 610-687-2340, ext. 27.