15 Years of Impact: Golf for a Cure Raises Record $230,000 for Blood Cancer United

On July 15, Alto-Shaam employees, customers, suppliers, dealers and community partners gathered at Ironwood Golf Course for the 15th Annual Golf for a Cure fundraiser. By the end of the day, participants helped raise $115,000, which Alto-Shaam in partnership with the Maahs Family Foundation  matched dollar-for-dollar, resulting in a record-breaking $230,000 donation to Blood Cancer United.  

While the fundraising total is worth celebrating, the true impact of Golf for a Cure extends far beyond. 

Honoring Jerry Maahs' Legacy 

Golf for a Cure was established in memory of Alto-Shaam founder Jerry Maahs, who lost his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006. Jerry was known not only as an entrepreneur and innovator, but also as a philanthropist who believed in making a positive impact on the lives of others. 

For nearly two decades, Alto-Shaam and the Maahs Family Foundation have partnered with Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Wisconsin Chapter) to advance research, provide patient support and create opportunities for survivors. 

Since the partnership began in 2007, Alto-Shaam and its generous network of supporters have helped raise more than $1.7 million for the organization. 

More Than a Golf Outing 

Every year, Golf for a Cure brings together people from across the foodservice industry and local community around a shared mission: helping families impacted by blood cancer. 

The funds raised support several important initiatives, including the Jerry Maahs Memorial Fund for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Research, the Dare to Dream Project, and scholarships that help childhood blood cancer survivors pursue higher education. 

The lives affected by these programs were front and center during this year's event, when Tate Maurer, a blood cancer survivor and one of the first Blood Cancer United scholarship recipients, shared his story. 

A Story That Doesn't End with Treatment

Tate's relationship with Blood Cancer United began long before the scholarship. “Blood Cancer United first knew me as a scared 12-year-old patient in my middle school gymnasium,” he said. “Later they got to celebrate me as a survivor, support me as an honored hero, invested in me as a scholarship recipient, and now they gave me the privilege of being a scholarship reviewer.” 

That progression, Tate explained, is exactly why programs that look past the end of treatment matter so much. 

“The impacts of cancer don’t always end when the treatment ends. That’s why Blood Cancer United’s Dare to Dream program doesn’t just matter: it’s essential,” he said. “Research is not only about helping a kid survive but helping them live long, healthy lives afterwards.” 

Today, Tate serves on the board that reviews Dare to Dream scholarship applications—reading the stories of students in the same position he was in years ago. 

“Every single one of the students has such a compelling story. Every family has sacrificed more than most of us can even imagine,” he said. “Every application reminds me that surviving cancer doesn’t mean your life is going to be easy. Your generosity tells those students: we see you, we believe in you, and we’re still with you.” 

That's the ripple effect you are all creating. Your support for the Dare to Dream program creates survivors, creates graduates, creates volunteers, and creates people who come back to help the next family. That’s what a real community looks like. It doesn’t just help you through cancer, it stays with you long after the treatment ends.” 

Tate’s story is a powerful reminder that every donation, sponsorship and volunteer hour contributes to something much greater than a fundraising total. 

A Partnership That Changes Lives 

For Blood Cancer United, the impact of Alto-Shaam's support reaches well beyond fundraising. 

Through patient assistance programs, survivor scholarships, family resources and research funding, the organization continues to make a difference for those navigating a blood cancer diagnosis. 

Looking Ahead 

The success of the 15th Annual Golf for a Cure would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers and the Alto-Shaam community. 

As the event celebrates 15 years of impact, one thing remains unchanged: a commitment to honoring Jerry Maahs' legacy by supporting individuals and families impacted by blood cancer. 

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of so many supporters, that legacy continues to grow.