Drive Fore Kids: Celebrities tee off in Falmouth to support children with cancer

FALMOUTH, Maine — The greens at Falmouth Country Club are buzzing with famous faces this weekend as celebrities take part in the annual Drive Fore Kids charity golf tournament.

“[It’s about] providing and making sure that the families who are in need get the care they need,” Drive Fore Kids Director Brian Corcoran, said, emphasizing the heart behind the competition.

This year, the tournament aims to raise $200,000 to benefit the Barbara Bush Children’s Center and the Dempsey Center, which provide support and treatment for children and families impacted by cancer.

“They provide services no matter what, because some families unfortunately don’t have the capabilities financially,” Corcoran added.

The fairways are filled with familiar faces— from former professional athletes to television personalities. Among those teeing off are actor Carly Chaikin, famous for her role of Darlene in the thriller drama series “Mr. Robot.”

“It’s so much fun being with everybody and being here for an amazing cause,” said Chaikin.

Trading his bat for a driver, three-time Major League Baseball champion and Red Sox pitching legend Jon Lester is also making his debut at the tournament.

“You get the competitive juices going again and the jitters and the anxiousness,” Lester, said. “I love playing in these things.”

For, both, Lester and Chaikin, the tournament is about more than competition, though. They said it’s for a cause that hits close to home.

“Going through cancer in ‘06 and having treatments— I probably wouldn’t be here without the researchers and doctors,” Lester, said.

“Cancer is in my family, and to have it affect a child is absolutely devastating,” Chaikin, said.  “Anything I can do to help.”

Alongside the celebrities, McKenzie Barker, a young cancer survivor who received treatment at the Barbara Bush Children’s Center, got to show off her swing.

“It’s given her a chance to be a normal kid again,” her mom, Christie Betney, said. “They’ve done amazing work to help all of these kiddos in our great state of Maine.”

The second round of the Drive Fore Kids tournament tees off Sunday morning at 10:15 a.m., and a winner will be crowned later that evening. As organizers put it, the mission is far bigger than any trophy.

“The spirit of Drive Fore Kids and the benefit to these two great organizations never ends,” Corcoran, said.