U.P. Celebrity Golf Classic comes with big news for Beacon House

MARQUETTE — Celebrities and community members came together today at the Marquette Golf Club in support of a local cause.

The sixth annual U.P. Celebrity Golf Classic commenced this morning with several local and national celebrities in attendance to show their support for the Beacon House of Marquette.

Golfers came from near and far for a good cause — to raise money for the Beacon House, which houses those in need during a medical crisis.

“It [the golf outing] means we get to stay open,” said Beacon House CEO Mary Dowling. “This is a third of our operating costs are raised here and without it, something drastic would have to happen, up to and including close our doors. So this event, if we didn’t have it, if we didn’t get these funds, there just wouldn’t be a Beacon House. ”

Last night, the Beacon House announced the Legacy of Love campaign, which involves building a new 60–room facility closer to the site of the new hospital. The campaign project raised over $250,000 last night alone with 150,000 of that being donated by U.P. native and UPCGC co–host, Steve Mariucci.

“The new thing, obviously, is to build a new Beacon House. We’re talking about 175,000 guest nights, which has been so beneficial to so many people and it will continue to be that,” said UPCGC Steve Mariucci. “Obviously I’m jumping on board with that. I’m asking a lot of people for their help and their support. We’re going to get this thing built and we’re going to do it right.”

“I cried yesterday. It was a touching, touching moment. People caring about their lives and their stories, how the Beacon House has helped them is touching stuff,” said Jere Garcia, singer of the Finnish band, Grease Helmut.

Dowling added she would have been happy if just one dollar was raised, and while the total is unknown at this time, her expectations were greatly exceeded.