About Gentle Ben

Well past the point when you think you've packed the clubs away for the winter, a group of golfers have headed south for four days of adventures on and off the course - and, most important, to support cancer care and research.

Our event is named in memory of Ben Pearl, father of Steven & Michael Pearl, the event's co-founders.  Ben passed away in April, 1997 as a result of complications stemming from a battle with lung cancer.  In early 1998, Steven & Michael set up the "GBCC" with two objectives in mind:

• To honour the memory of a kind, gentle and giving soul and,
• To raise monies in support of cancer research and support 

Each fall, we make the Gentle Ben a special getaway, picking great hotspots, and planning special activities for our golfers.

How does the Gentle Ben raise money?  The cost to our participants covers our travel and golf expenses only.  The actual donations for our beneficiaries come from corporate support, and mostly from the personal fundraising of our golfers.  By signing up for the Gentle Ben, our participants pledge to raise money for the cause - and they've always come through big!

Over the years, we've raised over $1 million to support hospital programs, pediatric and adult support services, research projects, hospices, and more.  For 2011, we're proud to once again be supporting cancer research and support programs. BENEFICIARIES.

To date, Gentle Ben groups have visited Bermuda, Jamaica (2 times), Bahamas, Hilton Head H.C., Florida, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

This year the Gentle Ben is headed to Dallas, Texas for an ultimate sports weekend – golf, NFL, NHL and much more.   No wonder they say that the Gentle Ben Charity Challenge puts the "fun" in fundraising!