2023 Buckeye for Sky High
Golf enthusiasts and philanthropists gathered at The Omni PGA Frisco Resort on Thursday, October 19th and Friday, October 20th as Sky High for Kids hosted their 6th annual Buckeye for Sky High fundraising event, in partnership with Buckeye Partners and the TF Warren Group. This event achieved a remarkable milestone, as it raised over $1.4 million in support of Sky High for Kids’ mission to support children fighting Pediatric Cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This fundraising event marked a record-breaking achievement for the nonprofit organization.
The two-day event kicked off with a banquet, where over 170 guests were warmly welcomed to the beautiful resort for an evening reception filled with cocktails, engaging conversation and a whiskey tower raffle. Following the reception, attendees were treated to an elegant sit-down dinner as Sky High for Kids presented a program highlighting their progress and determination to find a cure for Childhood Cancer. The program featured inspiring speeches from Joe Sauger, Executive Vice President – Pipelines & Terminals at Buckeye Partners, and Todd Russo, Chief Executive Officer at Buckeye Partners. Additionally, guests were deeply moved by an inspiring video message from Richard Shadyac Jr., Chief Executive Officer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
One of the evening’s emotional highlights was the presentation of a video showcasing the incredible resilience of Cancer Warrior Payton A., who successfully completed her last chemotherapy treatment in August 2023, marking the culmination of her two-and-a-half-year battle with lymphoma.
The highlight of the philanthropic evening was a live auction, led by auctioneer Letitia Frye, featuring nine enticing packages. These packages included a world-class five-day Argentina getaway dove hunt and a four-night stay in one of Ireland’s ancient castles in Dublin, among others. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on 43 tantalizing silent auction packages, such as a golfer’s paradise package, featuring a one-night stay and a round of golf for three at the historic Allegheny Country Club, and a sip & spa package, including a wine basket brimming with fine wines and a retreat to the beautiful Trellis Spa at The Houstonian.
Major sponsors included Consolidated, NGL Supply Co. Ltd., Simpson& Brown Inc., ESDC Engineering, Sylvan, along with sponsorships from more than 40 other companies.
The following day, 120 enthusiastic golfers hit the ground running for the golf tournament. Players, donors and sponsors came together for a day of camaraderie, charity and support. The event concluded with an awards luncheon celebration, where a champion team was crowned.
“Together, we are breaking records and changing lives,” said Brittany Hebert Franklin, CEO and Founder of Sky High for Kids. “This isn’t just a record-breaking achievement; it’s a testament to the incredible dedication and support from our community, and it is proof that when we come together, we can achieve the extraordinary and aim for the stars.”
To date, the Buckeye for Sky High event has raised over $6.7 million, making a profound impact on the lives of children battling Pediatric Cancer and life-threatening illnesses.
“I would like to thank all of our employees that contributed to Sky High for Kids’ event,” said Joe Sauger. “Buckeye, with the support and generosity of our contractors and vendors, continues to make a significant contribution towards the fight against pediatric cancer. Cancer does not rest and continues to mutate into new, more aggressive forms that severely impact children’s lives and devastate families throughout the world. Large or small, every donation matters and will make a difference in the ongoing battle against Childhood Cancer.”