KENNEBUNKPORT (NEWS CENTER Maine) — About 200 golfers hit the links in Kennebunkport for the 17th annual George H.W. Bush Golf Classic. The event, at Cape Arundel Golf Club, benefits Gary House, a program of Mercy Hosptial.
Gary’s House offers a "home away from home" to families whose loved ones are receiving medical treatment in Portland hospitals.
George and Barbara Bush were some of the founding supporters of Gary's House.
The 41st president didn't make it this year, but two of his grandchildren did.
"I was able to talk to my grandfather last night and told him about the event. He's doing OK," said Sam Bush LeBlond. "He's in Maine, his happy place. We're happy for that. He’s so excited to hear about the work we're doing."
Excited to hit the course were a lot of Mainers and a handful of celebrities.
Max Lane, a former New England Patriot, said it’s an honor to play in this tournament.
"The cause touches so many people, it makes the lives a little bit easier when they're going through such hard times," he said.
Red Sox legend Luis Tiant is a favorite at the event. He said giving back is what we need to do.
It was a good day and a successful tournament. But a little bittersweet, being the first one without Barbara Bush.
"Furthering her legacy is something really important to us and she really loved Gary's House and so do all of us," Bush LeBlond said.
The officials' numbers weren’t calculated immediately following the event, but organizers hoped to raise $300,000 for Gary’s House.