Golf For All is proud to honor its Co-Founder and Chairman, Bob Beach, for an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of selfless volunteer work with the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and a cornerstone in the fight against cancer in children and adults.
Bob Beach’s journey with the Jimmy Fund began in the early 1960s, when a childhood trip to Fenway Park left him inspired by the iconic sign above right field: “Remember the Jimmy Fund.” That simple message sparked a lifelong commitment. By 1975, upon graduating from Norwich University as a Francis Ouimet Scholar, Bob began channeling his passion for golf into a greater cause — using youth golf instruction as a vehicle for charitable giving.
Making a Difference, One Golfer At a Time
In addition to financial contributions, Bob, a PGA Professional, gave his time and talents directly to Jimmy Fund patients and their families. For over 15 years, he offered free golf lessons at the Jimmy Fund’s annual Field Day at the Noble and Greenough School. He also worked one-on-one with young patients such as Gavin McCarthy, who faced life-threatening illness with courage and a love of golf that Bob helped nurture.
“Bob made me feel like golf was something I could play despite my vision impairment,” said Gavin. “He made the lessons fun and always had an upbeat attitude. I played a lot of sports before I got sick but was unable to be involved after my vision was affected. I really looked forward to the lessons and meeting a lot of new people who were accepting of me.”
Lisa Scherber, Director, Patient & Family Programs for the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, said that for Bob, the goal for participants was never about getting a hole in one, but to provide a skill that the children could focus on when times were difficult for them.
“When I met Bob Beach many years ago, I knew instantly that he wanted to make an impact on the lives of our Jimmy Fund Clinic families,” said Lisa. “His passion for the sport he loves is contagious. Some of the kids he taught to golf at age five are now loving the game years later.”
Even after retirement, Bob remained as active as ever. Through Golf For All and partnerships with organizations like Camp Harbor View and Waltham Recreation, Bob continued teaching accessible and inclusive golf programs. His dedication has remained unwavering, with his latest donation of $1,050 proving that his spirit of giving has never waned.
“Children and cancer — those two words should never go together,” Bob reflected. “That’s why I wanted to help not just with money, but by being there with the kids, giving them joy through golf.”
Bob credits the support of his family — his wife Cathleen, a two-time breast cancer survivor, and their children John and Annie — as essential to his journey. “There were definitely times we could’ve used the money,” he said, “but we knew how important the Jimmy Fund’s mission was. Cancer doesn’t retire, so why should I?”
As Golf For All celebrates Bob Beach’s 50 years of partnership with the Jimmy Fund, we honor a man whose quiet acts of generosity have changed lives and inspired countless others.
To learn more about the Jimmy Fund and make a donation, go to danafarber.jimmyfund.org.