Latest News

April 16, 2012

Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide Insurance continues to highlight Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance

The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance hosted today the second annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide Insurance, a unique fundraiser to central Ohio that brings to life the alliance between the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients treated and cared for each day at Nationwide Children’s.

The goal of the Luncheon is to increase awareness of and further advance the incredible care given in the most needed areas of Nationwide Children’s. To that end, this year’s Luncheon raised a record $275,000 for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital alliance, bringing the events two year total to $537,000.

True to the heart of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance includes as one of its primary objectives a genuine, philanthropic vision. Embodied in the Memorial’s longstanding partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and enhanced by the recent alliance with Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, pediatric care is at the center of each campaign and event these entities jointly execute.

Second-year Tournament sponsor, Nationwide Insurance, shares a similar tradition of support for Nationwide Children’s. Nationwide is committed to broadening the impact of its presenting sponsorship of the Memorial Tournament to bring greater awareness and increased funding to Nationwide Children’s and to those who benefit the most – families and children in need of care. 

Hosts of The Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide Insurance were Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, together with Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen and his wife, Cindy, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital CEO, Steve Allen and his wife, Jamie. Luncheon guests experienced a charity event that is unique to Columbus, Ohio. Held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University, guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to witness a special conversation with Memorial Tournament Host and Founder Jack Nicklaus and 2011 Memorial Tournament winner Steve Stricker. Two-time United States Open Champion and ESPN/ABC golf broadcaster Andy North moderated this special discussion.

As a culmination of the Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide Insurance, an annual recognition award was presented in the name of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. The “Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award” is to be given annually to a young citizen who in some way has demonstrated a strong, driving spirit in overcoming obstacles, an unwavering optimistic outlook, and a strong conviction for their connection to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Whether it is by leadership in their community or simply personification of a strong spirit, a patient of Nationwide Children’s Hospital can inspire not only their family and loved ones, but also the community that surrounds them. The Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award will honor the courage within that inspires volunteerism and community outreach and has a positive influence on others.

The conclusion of the Legends Luncheon was the moving presentation by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus of the Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award to Nationwide Children’s Hospital patient Beau Hefner, 5, of central Ohio.

In April of 2011 Beau was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. He has battled through eight long months of scary needles, chemotherapy, and extended hospital stays. Once Beau and his family learned of his illness, he and the staff at Nationwide Children’s quickly became a team, battling the “cancer bullies” one day at a time.  His goal is to be completely cancer-free in 5 years, and hopes to go on to inspire others who are fighting the same battle.

###