Flatwater Golf Fundraiser Raises Nearly $50,000 for Cancer Therapy Support

The eighth annual Mama Betty’s Golf Classic, a sold-out fundraiser benefiting Austin-based nonprofit Flatwater, drew 42 teams to Onion Creek Club on April 13 and raised nearly $50,000 for therapy access for individuals and families in Central Texas navigating a cancer diagnosis.

The day began with a shotgun start and featured 18 holes of play, along with on-course fundraising contests including Tiger Drive, Long Drive and Closest to the Pin. A silent auction and raffle also contributed to the total, with prizes including PGA Championship tickets and an autographed photo from “The Sandlot.”

Throughout the course, honor flags recognized loved ones affected by cancer.

1

5

Solomon Pendleton, Charles Allen and Cesar Barajas. (Photo by Jasmine Coro)

2

5

Josh Hazzard and Brian Pear. (Photo by Jasmine Coro)

3

5

Mark Garza and Patrick Eitel. (Photo by Jasmine Coro)

4

5

Jordan Jellison, Danny McKinley, Evan Stinson and Cole Moreland. (Photo by Jasmine Coro)

5

5

Justin Cornett, Cody Wise, Landon Williams and Randy Rousseau. (Photo by Jasmine Coro)

A cause close to home

The tournament was co-hosted by Jason Carrier, owner of Mama Betty’s, and Jessica Lombardi, Flatwater’s director of events. Carrier has supported the event for years after losing his mother, Betty, to cancer in 2010.

“I met Flatwater founder Mark Garza shortly after my mother, Betty, passed away in 2010 after a one-year battle with cancer,” Carrier said in a recent press release. “Our stories and experiences were similar.”

Carrier said returning to the tournament each year remains personal, both because of his family’s experience and because of the need for mental health support during cancer treatment.

Lombardi said the event has raised more than $225,000 over the years and helped fund more than 2,100 hours of therapy.

What’s next for Flatwater

Flatwater provides therapy access for people facing the emotional, mental and financial strain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. With 2 million new cancer diagnoses projected in the United States in 2026, including nearly 161,330 in Texas, the nonprofit said the need for support remains high.

Flatwater’s next major fundraiser, the 17th Annual Dam That Cancer presented by TYLER’S, is scheduled for June 8. The event will send more than 230 paddlers on a 21-mile route across Lake Austin to raise additional funds for therapy access.

RELATED: Butler Texas Young Masters Celebrates 15 of Texas’ Most Promising Young Artists