Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, the inaugural Care 4 Cora Golf Tournament will be taking place at Airway Meadows Golf Club. Cora Gargano, a four-year-old in dire need of a kidney transplant, is the guest of honor for this event.
“Cora doesn’t really understand. Once she’s there she’ll know it’s a party. She doesn’t really understand that she’s sick. We don’t talk about it. It’s the only thing she knows, it’s her normal,” said Cora’s mom, Kelly Gargano.
The tournament organization is being spearheaded by six of Gargano’s friends and Richard Snyder, Anthony Gargano’s lifelong friend.
“I grew up with Anthony, Cora’s daddy, and we’ve been lifelong friends. He was my best man at my wedding and I was in his wedding and we’ve just grown up together and stayed friends. We’re both raising families, and this was an opportunity to help out. Cora is a sweet girl, and this is going to be great for her,” Snyder explained.
“Our friends are going completely above and beyond; the effort is insane. We’re so appreciative. We don’t even know what the future holds for Cora,” Gargano said.
Snyder became involved due to his lifelong friendship with Mr. Gargano and his expertise in the marketing field, he is the Vice President of Communications at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. He is helping to raise sponsorships, marketing the event, and working the social media for the tournament. He credits Mrs. Gargano’s friends for their hard work, explaining they “all have their roles.”
“I’m a poor golfer,” he laughed, “so on the day of the tournament I will be cooking hot dogs.”
The tournament is close to being half-way sold out. If you’re interested in golfing for Cora, you can register by phone at 518-7924144 or by check via mail at 262 Brownville Road Gansevoort, NY 12831. Checks must be payable to Airway Meadows Inc. Registration ends on Saturday, September 15.
There will also be an after party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local musician Dylan Moran will provide the entertainment along with face painters, a bouncy house, food from Spring
Street Deli, and shaved ice provided by Leftfield. Beer will also be provided by Druther’s, Decrescente, and Saratoga Eagle.
As of now, the family is still looking for a kidney donor. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. For any inquiries on the tournament, email care4cora@ gmail.com. If you’re unable to golf, you can donate at www.gofundme. com/54vw4n-care-for-cora.
