The 11th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide was moved from April to September, but still raised $1.4 million for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. All proceeds of the Legends Luncheon directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children’s compassionately serves each day.
The 2021 contribution equals the largest single-year donation in the event’s history and brings the luncheon’s 11-year total to more than $10.4 million.
The luncheon was held virtually and attendees enjoyed a special conversation with Memorial Tournament Founder and Host Jack Nicklaus, along with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award was also awarded to 12-year old Savannah Parsons. The award is given annually to a patient, or family who in some way has demonstrated a strong, driving spirit in facing obstacles, an unwavering optimistic outlook, and a strong conviction for their connection to Nationwide Children’s.
Savannah was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease at the age of ten and underwent surgery to remove a tumor from her pituitary gland in 2019. The family was recently informed that her tumor is reoccurring.
Savannah has a passion for dogs and aspires to become an entrepreneur focused on canine care.
The Memorial Tournament and its partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital ensures that the Nicklaus’ vision of providing the best medical care for children, not only from central Ohio, but in all 50 states and more than 40 countries each year continues.
