Golf Story of the Day

With clear skies, temperatures in the 80s and a light breeze, it was a wonderful day for golf on June 18 at Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles.  The premier course once again hosted the hospital’s annual Bernie Brillstein Golf Classic. The 3rd Annual Bernie Brillstein Golf Classic presented by The Lowe Group of Wells Fargo Advisors brought together Hollywood industry elites, diverse business leaders, major Barlow donors and volunteer leaders to honor legendary television producer, talent manager, and former patient, Bernie Brillstein.  This year’s event grossed over $250,000 through sponsorships, auctions, raffle, golf fees and related activities to raise money for Barlow Respiratory Hospital’s new state-of-the-art medical facility and research center.

The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg (role of Howard Wolowitz) started the day off as the tournament celebrity shotgun starter.  Simon gave great stories of his time with Bernie, which included the many times he sat on Bernie’s lap like Santa Claus, before wishing them best of luck on the greens.  Golfers then set out on the course which featured a putting contest and competitions for longest and straightest drive, closest to the pin, and team awards for low gross and low net.  Vincent “The Pasta Man” Ciurluini, one of the world’s top long-ball hitters, was out once again delivering his powerful long drive exhibition.  He also helped players improve their games with a few swing tips.

This year’s tournament differed from the past two classic being that there was not an entertainment showcase and dinner.  But that did not mean the fun stopped once the golfers returned to the clubhouse.  Golfers came back to a reception hosted by Diane Naegele, Capital Campaign Co-Chair, and an open bar courtesy of Margaret Crane and Carol Lugo.  The silent auction included amazing items such as a 7-day trip to Antigua in the Caribbean, a signed Rolling Stones guitar, and a commemorative PGA Master’s Tournament plaque, just to name a few.  After bidding on items and socializing with other golfers, hospital administrators, and Board members, everyone enjoyed an amazing buffet dinner which featured three stations, seafood, Mexican, and carving, and of course a dessert bar.

After everyone had gone through a plate (or two), Steve Kayahara of the Golf Classic’s Planning Committee kicked off the reception’s program which included thanking all of the sponsors, debuting of the Taking the Next Breath capital campaign video, raffle drawing and the day’s winners.

Asked to summarize the day, Carrie Brillstein called it “magical.”  “Everything seemed to fall in place beautifully.  Big thanks to Jacory Cary.  My friends all commented on how fun and flawless the day was.  Bernie would be so proud.”