Just a few days ago, Jack Wagner hosted the 6th Annual Jack Wagner Celebrity Classic golf tournament which benefited The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. On April 16th, 2012, the Emmy Award nominated actor, recording artist and committed philanthropist showed how committed he is to charitable causes and to cancer research.
As Jack Wagner explained his inspiration for the celebrity classic:
"I lost my father in 1990 to multiple myeloma and in 1999 my brother Dennis was diagnosed with leukemia. He has relapsed four separate times, enduring many rounds of chemotherapy and the challenges that come along with recovery. In 2007, Dennis received a complete bone marrow transplant and is still fighting a daily battle against complications associated with this procedure. Despite several hospitalizations over the past year, Dennis remains positive and thankful for the support of this tournament and his family. Let Dennis be an example to us all that our efforts are truly making a difference. Dennis is still with us today because of new life saving treatments but we must push forward for a cure. Remember your contribution goes far beyond my family and this golf event. Thank you for your support."
Wagner was originally inspired to create the celebrity classic after winning $142,550 in 2006 on the Wheel of Fortune. As the most ever won by a celebrity on the show, Wagner approached LLS to see if they wanted to use the money to create a golf event to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients. In combination, his Wheel of Fortune winnings, the LLS Light the Night Walk and the Wagner celebrity golf classics have, so far, raised close to $1 million for cancer research and patient services.
Past participants at the golf tournament have included: Marcus Allen, Tim Allen, Vince Coleman, John Elway, Kevin Frazier, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Bruce Jenner, Janet Jones, Heather Locklear, Jack McGee, Sean McNabb, Joe Pesci, Jerry Rice, Mike Shanahan, Grant Show, and Kevin Sorbo.
Wagner today serves as an official LLS Celebrity Ambassador, and he continues to work tirelessly to raise money for this much needed health charity.