LI Mississippi River Pipeline Zone golf tourney raises $192K for American Cancer Society

It’s not often you get to rub elbows with a former NFL player, but golfers in the Air Liquide Tee Up Fore Life Charity Golf Tournament sure did when they participated in this year’s event hosted by the Large Industries Mississippi River Pipeline (MRPL) Zone. 

An overcast sky, blanketed with dense fog, didn’t prevent former New Orleans Saints running back Dulymus “Deuce” McCallister and the 150 would-be Tigers and Rorys from hitting the links, while raising $192,000 for the American Cancer Society.

As golf carts snaked through the winding course, the skies cleared, and vendors, suppliers, Air Liquide customers and employees were invited to partake of everything from Bloody Marys to bacon-wrapped rib eyes and alligator sauce picante from more than 40 food tents. The vendors each paid $1,000 to host a tent, contributing more than $40,000 to support ACS’s efforts to eradicate the disease that claims more than 600,000 U.S. lives annually.

The highlight of the day occurred when McAllister shared his thoughts on how ACS plays a vital role in treating, curing and preventing cancer in the community. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Louisiana has the second highest rate of new cancers in the United States. 

“This terrible disease touches the lives of many of our coworkers and their families; we wholeheartedly believe in supporting them and giving back to the community in which we live and work,” said Judy Waldron, tournament committee chair and LI production admin. “The funds we raise to support cancer research, treatment and education are critical to positively impacting the lives of thousands of Americans.”

Since its inception in 2004, the tournament has raised approximately $1,164,000* and continues to grow each year. To acknowledge Air Liquide’s continuing support, ACS will recognize Air Liquide as one of its Nationwide Top Performers at a conference in Nashville, Tenn., next year.

To put icing on the cake, it would be an understatement to say McAllister enjoyed his outing with the group because he offered to participate in the 2024 tournament and serve as guest speaker. And we’re going to hold him to it!!   

*Note: United Way received $172,330 of those funds as beneficiary of tournaments in 2004 - 2010.