‘Fore for #4’ just four weeks away

NORWALK, Conn. – This is a press release, presented in the format in which it was sent:

Save the Date now & grab your ticket for the 4th year of the Annual Michael Ness* Play it Forward Golf Tourney to be held in one month on Monday, September 18th at the Oak Hills Golf Course in Norwalk, CT.

*The Michael Ness Play it Forward Gold Tourney Raises Funds for the Connecticut Burn Center, the only such facility in the region, in memory of Michael Ness who wore the #4 McMahon Lacrosse Jersey and was treated at the facility in 2013.

Norwalk, CT, August 21, 2017 – Make it  “Fore for #4,”  at the fourth annual Play it Forward Golf Tourney! Help raise funds to support Connecticut’s only regional burn center and to celebrate the life of a local young man who was treated at the Bridgeport Hospital facility by reserving now for the September 18th, 2017 Michael Ness Play it Forward Golf Tournament at Oak Hills Park in Norwalk, CT.

Visit Michaelnessgolftournament.ticketleap.com to buy tickets for tourney and or the awards dinner at Norwalk Inn,

Over the last three years, this fledgling tournament and banquet has reaped over $40,000 for the Burn Unit and was featured on the organization’s annual report cover as one of the leading fundraisers for this critical facility. The center treated several local young men, including the tournament’s name sake, when they sustained life threatening burns in a fire on August 18th, 2013.

The fundraiser is being organized by local chef Matthew Ness in memory of his brother, Norwalk native and former Brien McMahon HS lacrosse team player, Michael Ness who at age 22, succumbed to the injuries sustained in a tragic house fire on Pettom Road in Norwalk.

Matthew Ness explained the need for the fundraiser:  “It’s Connecticut’s only burn center and one of only 62 verified U.S. centers,” he explained. “It gives burn victims a chance to survive who might not otherwise. We’re fortunate to have it in our own backyard.

“Proceeds go wherever they are needed most, including the Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR) program. Proceeds also help raise awareness of the burn center.”

The first tournament in 2014 was nearly sold out with 140 golfers and 225 banquet guests. This year’s auction will feature many valuable auction and celebrity items including a private in-home catered dinner prepared by renowned local chef Matthew Ness and dozens of gift certificates, sporting event tickets and valuable sports memorabilia.

Tickets are available online at: Michaelnessgolftournament.ticketleap.com . To make a donation to the Burn Center in Michael’s name, please email [email protected]

While at the Connecticut Burn Center, Ness received the finest medical care and his family was treated with the utmost compassion. The staff and administration tended not only to the immediate medical needs of their patients, but offered extraordinary professional support to the families and friends who gathered at the unit for days on end.  Now the Ness family is hoping the greater Fairfield County community will rally again and help them “play forward” the many acts of kindness and generosity that have been demonstrated and join in raising funds for this exceptional medical institution.

“When our family  was in the midst of this horrible and personal tragedy, the Connecticut Burn Center embraced us all, providing the finest in medical care for my brother and supporting us emotionally and physically,”  said tourney co-chair Matthew Ness. “When we needed them, the Burn Center was there for us.  We are committed to ‘play it forward’ in Michael’s name, so that the Burn Center will continue to be there for all who face these types of traumatic and life threatening injuries.”

The tournament hopes to keep up the momentum created by the last three years’ successful fundraisers and continue to be one of the major donors to the Connecticut Burn Center.

For questions about the tourney, email [email protected]; telephone 203.247.3965.

This press release was posted as a public service. A press release is a written announcement submitted to news organizations to publicize an event or activity, a milestone or a point of view. NancyOnNorwalk has not researched the assertions made and takes no responsibility for the content.