ORLANDO, Fla. – A charity golf tournament featuring professional athletes took place in support of a longtime Orlando Sentinel reporter on Friday at the Dubsdread Golf Course.
Seventy-two players got together to raise money for Chris Hays, a sportswriter for the Sentinel who is awaiting a liver transplant. The tournament and subsequent auction brought in more than $5,000 to benefit Hays and his family.
[TRENDING: Ask Trooper Steve: Am I under lawful detention when pulled over during a traffic stop? | Bullseye Blast: New game on ICON Wheel in Orlando allows riders to shoot at targets | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
“We have all walks of life. Professional athletes, doctors, bankers...just anything,” said Roy Bova, a former colleague of Hays. “Chris has been around a long time, and we’re glad to help and be here for him during this rough time.”
Among the athletes teeing off for Hays was Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, a former Dr. Phillips High School standout and current NFL free agent. He has known Hays for more than a decade.
“It’s been awesome man,” Clinton Dix said. “We’re trying to give back as much as we can to help raise money to get Chris that new liver he needs. He’s been such a big help to the community, not only me, but a lot of athletes that are trying to get into college and be great and be successful. Chris has followed a lot of guys over the years, and he’s been a blessing to all of us in this community.”