How many families that play golf together have ever thought that they should gather their friends, play golf – and raise money for a good cause? The friends and family of Potomac’s Vince and Linda Crivella had been holding a casual, friendly golf tournament for nine years. After a few years, they decided to raise money for charity. The money they raised was donated to a different organization each year.

Three years ago, both Vince Crivella and his son Nicholas selected the non-profit “Casey Cares” from an on-line list of charities that help critically ill children and their families. In the realm of “great minds think alike” they each individually found the charity, mentioned it to one another and the “aha” moment happened – they both had the same idea at the same time. They spoke with the founder, Casey Baynes and were immediately inspired by her mission.

“We decided to go for it – and now, our 40-person function has grown to more than 120. My entire family comes out, including our five grandchildren,” said Vince Crivella. “Over the last three years, we have raised more than $110,000 for Casey Cares.”

The Crivella family includes sons Nick and Vincent and their wives Susan and Michele as well as Vince’s brother Bart and his wife Margy - and as many friends as they can round up.

“This tournament feels different from many charity outings,” said Vince Crivella. “It’s very friendly – and it seems as if everyone has a connection. We welcome new sponsors, volunteers and players – they will realize it’s a great way to give back while having a wonderful time. We have an outstanding and truly exciting live auction, silent auction, raffle prizes and tournament awards. A few of our sponsors are Ken Crowley/Merrill Lynch, Donohoe Realty Services, Maria Kenny/DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc, Washington Capitol Partners, LLC, Wells Fargo, Revere Bank – and we have many others.”

The Casey Cares Foundation, founded in 2000, provides programs for critically-ill children 18 and under and their families. The foundation is based in Baltimore and serves children at Johns Hopkins, Children’s National, Georgetown University, University of Maryland Hospital for Children and other hospitals and hospice facilities. The focus is on children who are being treated for cancer, brain tumors, blood disorders, sarcoma and cystic fibrosis. In 2002, it began holding movie and pizza nights for families whose children cannot be in crowds because of their weakened immune systems. It provides Family Festivity programs, such as sky box seats for a baseball game, concert tickets, passes to local attractions and vouchers for meals. Families are sent on Celebration Vacations and birthdays are commemorated. The Caring Connections Group Party Program allows families to meet, share and lean on each other while taking part in fun group activities.

In addition, in memory of children who have died, the program Kami’s Jammies provides new PJ’s and themed pajama parties for pediatric patients and Hammy’s Heart provides gift cards to grocery stores for families who are overwhelmed with financial obligations. The organization also sponsors programs for families who have lost their child through “Better Together Programs.”

In 2012, Casey Cares families participated in more than 6000 activities for well more than 11,000 participants in a single year. The charity serves hundreds of families throughout Maryland, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Casey has won many awards for the establishment of her organization including, Kraft’s “100 Extraordinary Women,” Baltimore Business Journals “40 Under 40 Outstanding Professionals,” and the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award.”

This year’s golf tournament will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Musket Ridge Golf Course in Myersville, Md. A bar-b-que dinner and live and silent auctions will be held immediately after the tournament. Registration and information is available on-line at www.crivellagolf.com. The tournament is open to the public. Individual players pay $150 and sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available. All proceeds go directly to the Casey Cares Foundation.