Footgolf for a Cause

NCH and ESCO continue their five-year relationship funding mammograms and diagnostic testing for those in need in the community.

On Sunday, October 25, Salt Creek Golf Club was buzzing with excitement as families involved with Elite Soccer Community Organization (ESCO) took to the course for a footgolf tournament. Footgolf, a sport that combines soccer and golf, is played on a golf course and a kicked soccer ball replaces a swung club. 

This tournament was a special fundraiser benefiting the Gift-a-Mammogram program at NCH. The youth of ESCO came up with the concept when they learned they wouldn’t be able to host their annual Pink-Out Soccer Game because of the pandemic. Not wanting to let down the patients at NCH or disappoint NCH Foundation, a safe and family friendly alternative of footgolf came as a replacement. Fundraising components included the sale of ESCO face masks, breast cancer awareness bracelets, and pink donuts.

“We were thrilled to continue supporting NCH Foundation’s Gift-a-Mammogram program. With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we knew we weren’t going to be able to do our annual Pink Out game and began exploring safe alternatives. Golf has been an approved activity and we thought what better type of event than combining golf and soccer by organizing a footgolf event? It was great to see so many families in the community gather in support of such an important cause,” said Jay Casaletto, ESCO’s Executive Director.

ESCO believes in giving back to the community, and helping NCH is just one of the many organizations that ESCO partners with to make a difference—a testament to their core values of social responsibility, character, leadership, and education.

“ESCO sets an incredible example for the youth in its program and the community at large. I am personally inspired by their efforts every year, and especially this year when they were determined to help their neighbors in need despite several obstacles,” said David Ungurean, Executive Director of NCH Foundation.

Representatives from Northwest Community Hospital Foundation were proud to attend the event and celebrate the five-year relationship with ESCO, where it was announced to those in attendance that since the beginning of our partnership, ESCO has raised almost $20,000 to provide vital screening, which can be life-saving, to women in need in our shared community.