The Kelly Cares Foundation Raised Nearly $300,000 at Second Annual Golf Invitational

South Bend, IN - June 13, 2016 – Today, the Kelly Cares Foundation hosted its second annual Golf Invitational at the Lost Dunes Golf Club in Bridgman, MI. The event raised nearly $300,000 that will benefit both the Lou Holtz Foundation and the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund, as well as charitable organizations that align with the pillars and mission of the Kelly Cares Foundation, which are Health, Education, and Community.

The Kelly Cares Foundation Golf Invitational is the successor to the Irish Legends Golf Outing that has taken place annually over several years. While Lou Holtz and Ara Parseghian are no longer official hosts, the Kelly Cares Foundation is devoted to continuing the tradition that has been established, while contributing to both former coaches' foundations in the process. The Kelly Cares Foundation presented both the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund with donations, underscoring the Kelly Cares Foundation's continued support.

The Kelly Cares Foundation Golf Invitational, an event intended to gather supporters of the Kelly Cares Foundation and Notre Dame faithful together for an afternoon of fun and to raise additional resources to benefit the Foundation's mission. The day featured Notre Dame Football greats and supporters enjoying activities including lunch, a full round of golf at the beautiful Lost Dunes Golf Club, and dinner with an awards ceremony and live/silent auction. Head Coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui Kelly presented both the Lou Holtz Foundation and the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund with checks showcasing the Kelly Cares Foundation's continued support. Ara Parseghian, along with Sean Kassen, Director of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund, accepted the donation.

Notre Dame Football alumni, Ron Powlus, accepted the donation on behalf of the Lou Holtz Foundation. “Being able to carry on the tradition that Lou and Ara started with the Irish Legends Golf Outing, and to carry on the tradition through the Kelly Cares Foundation –you can't imagine how proud and honored we are to be able to do so,” said Brian Kelly, Kelly Cares Foundation Co-Founder and Notre Dame Head Football Coach. “And being able to personally present donations to both the Lou Holtz and Ara Parseghian Foundations is truly an honor and privilege for Paqui and I, and the Kelly Cares Foundation.”

The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund is devoted to funding research for finding a treatment for Niemann-Pick Type C (NP-C) Disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. Three of Parseghian's grandchildren were afflicted with NP-C, before losing their battle with the disease. Of the more than 400 rare disease organizations in the United States, the Parseghian Foundation is a leader in raising funds totaling over $30 million since its inception. The Parseghian family and all its volunteers and supporters and more determined than ever to conquer this disease in an effort to save the lives of thousands of other NP-C children and young adults around the world.

Founded in 1998 by Lou and Beth Holtz, the Holtz Charitable Foundation donates to a variety of non-profit organizations, including Touching Tiny Lives, which support the foundation's mission to promote Christianity, education, and charity. The Holtz Foundation's strong relationship with Touching Tiny Lives helps to provide food, medical care, and outreach to children in great need of stabilization and services.

“It says something special about the Notre Dame community to have coaches, past and present, that are so devoted to working to help make a difference in this world by using their blessings and network of supporters to help raise funds that will benefit charities that are doing critical work to help those that need it most.” said Paqui Kelly, Co-Founder of the Kelly Cares Foundation. “We are proud to be a part of this Notre Dame family that is helping to make a positive impact, here and beyond.”

To learn more about the Kelly Cares Foundation Golf Invitational at Lost Dunes or the Kelly Cares Foundation, or to schedule an interview with Paqui Kelly regarding the event, please contact the Kelly Cares Foundation Director of Communications, Becky Beckman, at 574-307- 9139 or by email at becky.beckman@kellycaresfoundation.org.

About Kelly Cares Foundation

The Kelly Cares Foundation was established in 2010 by the Brian and Paqui Kelly family to support organizations, initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals and values of the Kelly family. A strong emphasis has been made on three main pillars: Health, Education and Community. The Kelly Cares Foundation has donated nearly $3 million to support causes locally, nationally, and globally. Some notable organizations that have received contributions from the Kelly Cares Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Saint Joseph Health System, Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, and the Notre Dame Hesburgh Library.

To learn more about the Kelly Cares Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.kellycaresfoundation.org.