Helicopter Golf Ball Drop Supports ALS Research and Treatment

SEATTLE - Aug. 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Augie's Quest to Cure ALS, a non-profit dedicated to funding research to cure ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and find treatments that help improve the lives of those affected by the disease, invites the public to support ALS research through its helicopter golf ball drop.

The drop is on August 25, 2025, prior to the Cure ALS Golf Classic. Up to 200 golf balls are being dropped in unison from a helicopter hovering above the chipping green at The Golf Club at Newcastle. Whoever's ball lands closest to the hole wins a golf experience for two at The Pebble Beach Golf Links & Spyglass Hill Golf Course and a 2-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Golf balls can be purchased for $100 by noon on the day of the drop here (https://app.betterunite.com/augiesquest-2025curealsgolfclassic/CampaignDonate). Purchasers are assigned a numbered ball.

"People from everywhere are affected by ALS and we want to let they know they can support research into treatments, and ultimately a cure, for ALS," said Scott Cameron, chairman of the 2025 Cure ALS Golf Classic. "For those of us who have been personally touched by this devastating disease, the helicopter golf ball drop is a fun and easy way to help others and support potentially life-changing ALS research."

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, one in 400 people are diagnosed with ALS in their lifetime, which equates to 5,000 people being newly diagnosed each year in the U.S. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3-5 years. Augie's Quest co-founder Augie Nieto, a fitness mogul, was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and succumbed to the disease in March 2023. Phil Green, a member of the University of Washington football team when they won the 1991 Rose Bowl, was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 and lost his battle with the disease on July 19, 2025. Green volunteered with Augie's Quest and was a fierce advocate for the ALS community who raised awareness, drove progress and uplifted others.

Recent ALS data indicates a higher incidence among elite athletes, military personnel, and those in high-adrenaline roles, who are about 25% more likely to be diagnosed.

"Augie was known for challenging convention, aiming higher and supporting bold ideas, particularly when he could have a significant positive impact on others' lives," said Shannon Shryne, Augie's Quest to Cure ALS President & Co-Founder.

Proceeds from the Pebble Beach Ball Drop will support potentially life-changing treatments and innovative research.

About Augie's Quest to Cure ALS (https://augiesquest.org/)

Founded in 2005 by Augie Nieto and Shannon Shryne, Augie's Quest to Cure ALS funds innovative research and treatments for ALS across the United States. The nonprofit aims to advance breakthroughs and ultimately find a cure, supporting people living with ALS. Learn more at augiesquest.org.