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 Amidst the chaos of running three separate dealerships, Carla and Tommy Cosenzi have now rallied three years in a row to put together an all-day golfing event in memory of their father, Tom Cosenzi. Tom, an avid golfer, died in 2009 after bravely fighting to overcome a brain tumor. Since then, Carla and Tommy have passionately done all that they can to support cancer research. "Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure" is a now-annual golfing tournament where all proceeds go to the Jimmy Fund and to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, specifically for the cancer research of Tom's treating doctor, Patrick Wen.
And what a beautiful day to be outside! While the past two golf  tournaments were tainted by dark, rainy weather, this year's outing was blessed with sun and a blue sky. On an eighteen-hole course, a record number of 160 golfers showed up early Monday morning at the Springfield Country Club, anxious to get driving. Co-workers and strangers became friends as everyone enjoyed simple pleasures like golf cart rides, a delicious lunchtime cookout, and the company of those gladly supporting a good cause. In addition to teams comprised of local dealership team members, there were also special appearances by folks like the ABC 40 News Team, Autotrader.com, and Adam Quenneville roofing.
These weren't the only special appearances. Although men are typically the ones to hit the golf course, there was a fair share of women picking up clubs to try their hand at it. Country Nissan sales associate Kate Boyd said that her favorite part of the day was 'hanging out with all of [her] co-workers outside of work", something that time often does not allow for. Even though Boyd admits that she is "no Tiger Woods" [the tournament] was still very enjoyable".
As golfers tried their hand at a hole-in-one on the course (a feat which, if attained, was rewarded with grand prizes), Carla and company were back at the clubhouse. After months of planning this event, there was no slowing down the day of! Prizes waited to be organized, dining arrangements and center-pieces had to be arranged, and auctioning details figured out; in the end, however, the result was well worth the work. In the early evening golfers and guests, sun kissed and hot from the day outside, began to filter in to the cool comfort of the clubhouse where they were cheerfully greeted by Carla. Guests took their time in the entrance hall as they purchased raffle tickets, ooh'd and ahh'd over silent auction prizes, and carefully dropped their ticket stubs in the bags representing numerous coveted prizes. Finally, people made their way to their seats in the dining hall where more gifts were on display, like a large picture of the 2004 Red Sox championship team celebrating, complete with the entire team's signatures.
 The live auction was particularly unique for New England, as Texas native and Southern Auto auctioneer Mike (whose last name I didn't catch) generously offered his professional experience to bring in an authentic flavor. Mike highlighted the prevalence of cancer, even in those who we know and are close to us. He pointed to himself as an example, explaining that his daughter is currently fighting her own battle. After announcing how honored he felt to be a part of the event, the auction began. Rangers mouth moved a mile a minute as he took bids for prizes ranging from a set of golf clubs, to New England Patriots tickets, to a weekend getaway in Cape Cod. Bidders and winners were rewarded with enthusiastic cheers and clapping.
By the end of the auction, and after a long day out on the course, it was time to eat! After indulging in a huge steak dinner, the silent auction results were in with more exceptional prizes and grinning winners. Country Nissan Parts Manager Eric Penza won a diamond ring, donated by Hannoush Jewelers. "It was an impulse buy," said Penza. "I didn't even see it [before bidding on it]. My wife loves it though!" The setting and atmosphere of the dinner time was friendly, warm, and exciting. "I thought it was fun and that the food was very good. The whole [dinner] experience was great", said Country Nissan fifteen-year employee David Curtis.
The dinner time benefited from a special visit from Dr. Wen. He thanked sponsors and guests alike for their generous support, emphasizing how vital research is in the quest to beat cancer, and explained where raised funds are gratefully being used. The first year, "Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure" raised an impressive $56,600, only to be outdone the following year with a total of $70,000. This year, thanks to the generosity of attendees, the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber Cancer Institute will be recipient to over $80,000. It's encouraging to see how heartfelt and selfless people can truly be; this tournament serves as a good reminder that hope is not and should not be lost. Through the continuous love and support of caring individuals, we can not only help fight the battle, but conquer the war.
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