3rd annual Ryan Gordon Memorial golf tourney, silent auction set for June 20

Ryan Gordon Memorial fundraiser
After raising more than $8,500 in the past two years, a special fundraiser in memory of an Adams native will return this month to help further support world-class cancer research at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota in Austin.

On June 20, the 3rd annual Ryan Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament & Silent Auction will be hosted at the Cedar River Golf Course in Adams, about 20 miles southeast of Austin along Minnesota Highway 56. It consists of a four-person, best-shot golf tournament, with a shotgun start at noon. Pre-registration is preferred by June 13 but later signups are welcome.

The tournament memorializes Ryan Gordon, an Adams native who passed away in 2011 at age 42 from stomach cancer and is survived by his wife, Shannon, and two sons, Jake and Brecken.

His parents Roger and Shirley Gordon, of Adams, created the memorial tournament in 2013 because Gordon had a passion for golf. He also used a lion golf head cover for years and was greatly inspired by the lion’s strength and courage. When battling cancer, Gordon used that inspiration to rally his support team with the phrase, “Let ’em hear you ROAR.”

His family and friends often refer to his “ROAR” and how it continues to inspire.

“Our family is truly humbled by the incredible generosity and willingness of everyone to help us with this memorial event for our Ryan,” Shirley Gordon said. “We are so honored and pleased to keep his memory alive through this annual golf tournament and support the fight for a cancer-free world.”

Organizers also believe this year’s event will offer its best silent auction yet with numerous prizes donated by individuals and businesses, including Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints baseball tickets; sports memorabilia; quilts; and gift certificates to area restaurants.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota to support its cutting-edge cancer research. As with any gift to The Hormel Institute, 100 percent of the donation directly funds cancer research into better ways to prevent, detect and treat this devastating disease.

Cost is $50 per golfer at the tourney, which includes a hamburger meal afterward; non-golfers can pay $10 for the meal only. Cart rental will be available at the golfer’s expense; early registration is recommended to ensure car availability. Reservations can be made at the Cedar River Golf Course’s pro shop or by calling 507-582-3595.