Brandon’s Hope Golf Outing set for Sept. 20
The ninth annual Brandon’s Hope Golf Outing, which benefits the American Cancer Society, will be held next month. The outing will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at Carmichaels Golf Course, located off Route 88.
“I didn’t think it would get this far. We’re holding it for the ninth time. Hopefully, it will go on for nine more years,’ said Joe Buncic of Nicholson Township.
Family and friends are hosting the golf outing in memory of Brandon Buncic, who died from cancer in 1999, just before his fourth birthday.
Brandon Buncic was born Feb. 26, 1995, the eldest child of Kelly and Joe Buncic. Joe Buncic is a coal miner and Kelly Buncic is a nurse with Morgantown Orthopedic in Morgantown, W.Va. The Buncics also have two daughters: Courtney, 9, who is a third-grade student, and Allison, 5, who is a first-grade student. The girls attend Smithfield Elementary School in the Albert Gallatin School District.
Brandon Buncic was diagnosed with a stage-four cancer (neuroblastoma) on Sept. 28, 1998. The family received a lot of support, and soon after Brandon died on Feb. 19, 1999, they decided to reach out to others.
In its first eight years, the golf outing has raised more than $43,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Asked how many turn out for Brandon’s Hope, Joe Buncic said, “There’s probably 100 people, sometimes more. Even if we have enough people for the tournament, we don’t refuse people who come that day.’
The golf outing includes a four-man scramble. There are prizes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
“It gives people a chance to play and help other families who are going through the same thing,’ said Joe Buncic.
Asked how Brandon would feel about people turning out to help others in his name, Joe Buncic said, “He would think it was a great thing. It would be amazing to him to see all the people come out.’
For more information or to make a reservation, call 724-725-3242.