LeRoy Butler was among Packers players who took part in the charity event.
Golf may not be his game of choice, but for at least one day a year, it's the sport Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman stamps his name on.
Monday, numerous Packers players, coaches and staff traded the office for the Oneida Country Club, where they took part in the Mike Sherman Celebrity Golf Tournament, which raises money to fight Cystic Fibrosis.
"The golf tournament was introduced long before I became the head coach," Sherman said. "I believe it dates back to Coach Lindy Infante's time and continues on now, and will continue on into the future."
In the United State alone, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 children and adults live with symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes chronic lung and digestive disorders. More than 10 million Americans are thought to be unknown, symptom-less carriers of the gene that causes CF.
Three decades ago, the life expectancy of an individual with CF was only 8 years. Today, people with CF have average life spans of 30 to 32-years.
"The money raised at this event is well-served in addressing the needs and concerns of those afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that is the No. 1 lung disease affecting children," Sherman said. "As the father of four children, I certainly can relate to the angst that parents of children who are victimized by this disease must feel when the simple task of breathing becomes such a chore."
In its more than 14-year relationship with the 65 Roses Celebrity Golf Tournament (currently dubbed the Mike Sherman Celebrity Golf Tournament), the Packers organization has joined with other local corporations to raise more than $300,000 for the battle against CF. Proceeds from past tournaments have helped establish a CF resource center and clinic at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, to ease the lives of local CF patients.
"This tournament is a great cause, and I am proud to be associated with it," Sherman said.
In accordance with the golf tournament, a silent auction was also held at the Oneida C.C. Items up for bid ranged from golf equipment to a Southern Mississippi football helmet signed by Brett Favre, to a golf glove signed and formerly worn by LPGA legend Nancy Lopez.
