Record-breaking year for Hope Hospice golf marathon fundraiser

DUBLIN, CA (Nov. 4, 2023) — Twenty-nine participants in the Ninth Annual Hope 100 Golf Marathon broke a fundraising record this year, bringing in $202,000 for Hope Hospice.

The event, held October 23 at Castlewood Country Club, had a peer-to-peer fundraising format, which challenged registrants to seek support from their personal networks. The top fundraiser this year, with over $13,000 from his backers, was Jerry Thompson; Jerry’s late father, Steve Thompson, is one of the Hope 100’s honorees.

Proceeds from the Hope 100 support Hope Hospice’s patient-care services and grief support center, as well as a range of free programs for the local public including grief support, dementia-care education, and family caregiver resources.

The intimate event was a buyout of the Club’s Valley Course, giving up to 36 golfers free reign of the green. Participants played 100 holes with a few adjusted rules of play to promote a fast pace. Most people typically finish in eight to 10 hours. (Playing an 18-hole round in the marathon round takes about 2 hours instead of the 4+ that a traditional round requires.)

Running the course

This year, rookie Scott Wall, of Oakland, signed on not only to play the 100 holes but also to run the course; a caddy trailed him in a golf cart throughout the day. Wall, who was an All-American distance runner for the University of Oregon in the early 2000s, completed this dual challenge in 7 hours and 50 minutes, one of the first to return to home base at the Clubhouse. He also won first place for his gross score of 62.

Danville resident Dawn Pombo returned for the seventh time. Over those years, she’s raised about $20,000 total. “I am passionate about Hope Hospice—my family needed hospice when my father fell ill, so I understand how essential and wonderful this organization is.” She added, “I first heard about the event from some of the guys who had played it, and I thought it sounded like a fun thing to do. I will continue to play in it as long as my back will allow me!”

For all the fun that was had throughout the day, the event served an important purpose, says Hope’s CEO, Jennifer Hansen. “Our organization is deeply grateful to Jim and Kathleen Berriatua, who first conceived and continue to facilitate this event each year. The support raised through the Hope 100 enables us to thoroughly care for nearly 800 patients each year and to grow our supportive services that go beyond our core work of hospice.”

Individuals interested in participating in the fall 2024 event can watch Hope100GolfMarathon.com for updates, or email info@hopehospice.com to be added to the interest list.

Event History

The marathon was established in 2015 to honor the life of Piper Wagner, a beloved golf pro at Castlewood who died from lung cancer. In the spirit of Piper’s memory, the event also honors the life of the late Steve Thompson. Steve was a Bay Area native, having attended Marin Catholic High School and the University of San Francisco. He was a founding member of Jerry Thompson and Sons Painting with his father and brother, and over the years he helped guide JTS to become one of the most respected and successful painting companies in the Bay Area. Steve had a big heart and quietly led by example for the causes he cared about. He participated in the inaugural Hope 100 Golf Marathon, and Hope Hospice is grateful for his legacy in making this event what it is today.

How It Works

• The event has a quick pace of play. Most people complete 18 holes every two hours. Although score is not of primary importance, prizes are awarded related to scores.
• Players may register as individuals and attempt the 100 holes on their own, or, split the challenge among friends.
• Registration is considered a commitment to raise a minimum of $2,500 in support toward Hope’s mission of care and service to our community. Green fees, cart rental, three meals, and course beverages are all covered by the registration fee.
• Some players pay their own registration; others seek sponsorship from friends, family, or their employer to cover the cost.

For more information about Hope Hospice, visit hopehospice.com.