VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Monday, Virginia Beach professional golfer Marc Leishman, along with his wife Audrey, announced their annual charity event has been postponed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Begin Again Foundation's New Beginnings Gala and Begin Again Celebrity Classic has been moved from April 19th/20th to September 13th/14th. These new dates are pending based on any changes to the PGA Tour schedule. Marc is currently the No. 15 ranked golfer in the world.
The New Beginnings Gala and Begin Again Celebrity Classic are massive fundraisers for our community, raising nearly $500,000 last year. However, the Leishmans are hoping to turn a negative into a positive.
As the coronavirus impacts our area, forcing cancellations of many events - including the Begin Again Foundation's charity weekend, the couple posted Monday that they will be supporting the heroes who are keeping our friends, families and neighbors safe. In a video, Marc and Audrey thanked health care workers and announced the Begin Again Foundation will be sending meals to local hospitals around the area to support ICU (intesive care unit) and ED (emergency department) staff.
The Begin Again Foundation, founded by Marc and Audrey, aims to educate the public on symptoms to look for with its new awareness initiative, Sepsis Ambassadors. Sepsis Ambassadors are trained volunteers working to educate local parents, students and school staff on the signs and symptoms of sepsis. In 2015, Toxic Shock Syndrome coupled with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and sepsis had Audrey in a coma in ICU with a five percent chance to survive. Inspired by Audrey’s near-death experience, the Leishmans hope the Begin Again Foundation helps bring life’s most pressing needs to families experiencing medical and life crises.
Related: Pro golfer Marc Leishman and family host Leishman Lager launch party in Virginia Beach
