On Center

Like Family

With five years under its belt, the Packard Center has built a loyal following—a family, of sorts. Building on longstanding friendships, Center Director Jeffrey Rothstein made this year’s Partners in Collaboration Awards night seem more like a reunion than a donor-appreciation event. Recognizing our own—those who unselfishly added to the Center’s research coffers—was the order of the evening.

Encircling baby Ashley and mother Victoria McGlinchey are, from left, Tom Watson, Kimberly, Mike and Marylane McGlinchey, Jeffrey Rothstein and James Myers.

For the past 10 years, Marylane McGlinchey and family have sponsored a golf tournament in memory of Marylane’s husband, former Salisbury State and Frostburg State head football coach Mike McGlinchey, who died of ALS in 1997. Considered one of the premier golfing events in Ocean City, Md., the tourney has raised more than $35,000 for the Center.

In the family spirit, Marylane came up to accept her award with four other McGlincheys, including a baby granddaughter. Then she presented Rothstein with a check for an additional $20,000.

Next, Rothstein applauded James and Mike Myers, whose family owns Regency Homes in Des Moines, Iowa. Their Midwestern hospitality is legendary, Rothstein noted, describing feasts he enjoyed there.

The family formed a strong bond with the Center when their father, Michael, and his brother Mark were diagnosed with a rare form of ALS. Through annual golf tournaments in conjunction with MDA, the family has raised about $250,000 for Center research.

Finally, after admitting a woeful ignorance about golf, Rothstein called on golf guru Tom Watson to accept an award. Watson began supporting the Center three years ago, when Bruce Edwards, his caddy of 30 years, was diagnosed with ALS. Watson had frequent talks with Rothstein during Edwards’ illness. And, although Edwards died last spring, Watson has continued sponsoring—what else?—golf tournaments in his caddy’s honor, raising more than $500,000 for Center research.

Ending the evening on a high note, Watson—on behalf of his wife Hilary, who had sponsored a fund-raiser—presented an unexpected check for $75,000. He also issued Rothstein a stern warning: “I forbid you to ever pick up a golf club; it would take too much time away from your important work.”

Next > A Friend Indeed: Lessons in Loyalty