SPOKANE, Wash. -- Teams teed up today for the seventh annual Gleason Golf Classic at the Kalispel Golf and Country Club.
The golf tournament a major fundraiser to benefit Spokane native Steve Gleason's non-profit, Team Gleason. It is Team Gleason's largest fundraiser in the region. Over the years, the event has raised more than $1 million that have gone towards improving the lives of patients with myotrophic lateral sclerosis. The disease, commonly known as ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Jed Collins, a former Washington State football and NFL player, was at the even Monday. He was happy to support an event put on by a man who he admires.
"(Gleason) has the most mental fortitude of anyone I've ever met," Collins said. "I got to playing in the NFL with some special people and I say hands down no question the best person I've ever met is Steve Gleason."
The other big Team Gleason fundraiser, called Gleasonfest will take place Saturday in Riverfront Park at 3 p.m. The event aims to raise awareness and money to help people fighting ALS.
For tickets, head to ticketwest.com.
