We are excited to welcome three “Celebrity Golfers” to the JDRF Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 21 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ. Our Celebrity Golfers are T1D Heroes who are passionate about making a difference in the T1D community, a dedicated supporter of JDRF organization and the JDRF Golf Classic, and an overall lover of golf. Here’s who will be joining us on the course:

Alex Budelmann
Age: 11
Age at Diagnosis: 5

Alex started playing golf when he was only a toddler, after his grandparents moved to Hilton Head Island and he learned alongside his grandfather. Alex loves playing golf because, “It’s the one sport I can play with my 72-year-old grandfather, and it’s the one sport you can take a break on a shaded golf cart, drink a juice, eat a snack and head back out for your turn.” Over the years, he has begun to form a better swing and can now compete with his grandfather and uncles. Alex is thrilled to be a celebrity golfer this year because he believes that, with the fundraising JDRF does, a cure will be found in his lifetime and he will be able to prevent his children from having T1D. A strong advocate with his T1D, he loves to share his story.

Connor Clarke
Age: 11
Age at Diagnosis: 3

Connor started playing golf at the age of 3 and says he enjoys golf because it is very calming and keeps his mind off other things happening in his life, like diabetes. He says, “I love playing golf because it is outside and is great exercise. My blood sugar always stays steady. It is important to me to be a Celebrity Golfer for the JDRF Golf Classic because I want to raise money so scientists can find a cure and everyone with T1D won’t have to live with it anymore.” Connor wants people to know that he can still do everything people without diabetes can do. He tries to have a happy attitude about his T1D and teach other people about it.

Gabriella Sommers
Age: 11
Age at Diagnosis: 6

Gabriella started playing golf when she was 5 years old through Monmouth County Parks, taking golf lessons there in the summer. Now she can be found hitting the links with her dad. In addition to golf, Gabriella also rides horses, goes camping, enjoys swimming, riding her bike, and everything else she wants to do. She says, “I love to represent JDRF and help people understand life as a Type 1 diabetic. I also want to thank everyone who helps raise money for JDRF. The money is used for research to find better treatments and hopefully a cure for T1D.”

You’re Invited!

Please join Alex, Connor and Gabriella at the 2022 JDRF Golf Classic. Sponsorships, foursomes and single golf entries are still available. Click HERE to reserve your spot today – or if you cannot attend, consider making a tax-deductible donation in honor of our three Celebrity Golfers!