Golfing for Gabi fundraiser raises $60K

The first annual Golfing for Gabi tournament took place at the Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre on Monday, Sept. 30, in support of The Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The tournament was held in honor of Gabriella Pellicani, who died last year at age 5. She lost her 10-month battle to gliobastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer, on Oct. 16, 2018. During her battle, she attended St. Mark’s Nursery School and Watson Elementary School.

Gabi’s younger brother, Antonio, 3, took the ceremonial first shot on the green and the golfing commenced. Rockville Centre residents Kevin Cowan, Mike Lanzi, Dave Quigly and James Rudolph posted the winning score of 63. Afterward, more than 130 attendees enjoyed a lobster dinner (Gabi’s favorite), awards, a silent auction and raffles. In total, more than $60,000 was raised to support genetic research focused on brain cancers at Dana-Farber, where Gabi underwent a clinical trial.

“The entire event surpassed our expectations,” said Nick Pellicani, Gabi’s father, “which is a testament to the generosity and support of the entire community. While the circumstances that brought us together were obviously tragic, it was a beautiful evening with family and friends, many of whose lives have also been touched by cancer. Through funds raised by Golfing for Gabi, we’re hopeful that meaningful progress can be made against this terrible disease. And personally, it’s really special to know that your child is inspiring and making a positive impact on others.”

Next year’s Golfing for Gabi will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. Donations in support of pediatric brain cancer research can be made in Gabi’s memory at danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/gabistrong.