Drive for Hope combines the Brian Howell Lung Cancer Research Golf Open and the Sue & Eugene Hanmer Memorial Golf Outing, and also honors the memory of Linda Aplas Johnson, late wife of CUES’ President/CEO Fred Johnson.

Beginning in 2004, the family and friends of Brian Howell hosted a golf outing in Brian’s memory. The outing drew 90-100 people each year, educating them on lung cancer while providing a fun day at the same time.

In 2005, Craig Hanson held a memorial tournament at Six-Mile Creek in Waunakee in honor of his mother, who died of breast cancer at age 52, and his stepfather, who died of lung cancer at age 55. The event was attended by 40 friends and family members and was the start of something Craig hoped would grow in popularity.

The two golf outings merged at the suggestion of Carleen Wild, former director of development at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. At about the same time, Fred Johnson, whose wife Linda was then battling lung cancer, became involved with the UWCCC. He and his employees at the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) wanted to help the cause by using their experience planning national golf tournaments to take the newly combined golf outing to the next level.

And thus, Drive for Hope was born. In its first year, the event raised more than $63,000 from generous golfers, sponsors and donors. In four years, the tournament has raised an amazing $300,000 for lung cancer research. We hope you'll continue to support Drive for Hope, and make 2010 our best event yet!