Our Story: 50 Years of Rob, 7 Years of Hope

For those who knew Rob, he was a force of nature—spirited, full of grit, and always the first to crack a joke or offer a hand. This year, as we gather for the 7th Annual Rob Kalesse Memorial Classic, we celebrate a milestone that Rob should have been here to toast himself: his 50th birthday.

Since we began this journey seven years ago, this community has raised over $125,000 in Rob’s honor. But we aren’t just playing golf to remember; we are playing to ensure that other families don't have to face the same empty chair at the table.

Why We Partner with the American Lung Association

Every dollar raised at the Rob K. Memorial Classic goes directly to the American Lung Association (ALA). Your support this year—Rob’s 50th—will directly fuel the ALA’s four strategic pillars:

• Defeating Lung Cancer: The ALA has helped increase the five-year survival rate by 52% over the last decade. Your donations fund the "LUNG FORCE" research that leads to life-saving breakthroughs and new FDA-approved treatments.

• Championing Clean Air: Rob loved the outdoors. We support the ALA’s fight for the Clean Air Act, ensuring that every breath we take—on the golf course or in our homes—is safe and healthy.

• Improving Quality of Life: Over 35 million Americans live with chronic lung disease. We fund the ALA’s "Patient & Caregiver Network," providing the support and education families need to manage disease and breathe easier.

• Creating a Tobacco-Free Future: We are committed to the ALA’s goal of ending the youth vaping epidemic and helping millions of people quit smoking for good.

50 Years. 50 More for Others.

Rob lived life at 100%. He was a man of music, a man of family, and a man of incredible spirit. While we can’t give him a 50th birthday party in person, we can celebrate his legacy by giving the gift of breath to others. As we look toward our goal this year, we invite you to be part of the story. Whether you are a "Legacy Sponsor" or a first-time player, you are helping us turn a milestone birthday into a milestone for medical research