On June 9th, Project Purple held its 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic presented by Hartford Healthcare at The Country Club of New Canaan in New Canaan (CCNC), in New Canaan, Connecticut. This year’s event held special significance as Project Purple celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of dedication to pancreatic cancer research. In this time, we have provided financial aid to patients and brought awareness to this cause through all the fundraising efforts Project Purple puts forth through community events, 5Ks, virtual events, and endurance teams.
“I look forward to all the golfers having a great time and Project Purple showing our appreciation to our golfers. This is not about raising money, it’s about showing appreciation to those who support our organization,” says Anthony Luongo, volunteer and President of Project Purple’s Board of Directors. Anthony has been involved with Project Purple since day one, so the 15-year milestone is especially special to him.
Playing For Pancreatic Cancer
This year’s Golf Classic hosted about 112 participants while raising over $120,000 for pancreatic cancer research and patient financial aid. To show our gratitude, each golfer was given a gift bag with some wonderful items from Project Purple and our sponsors, along with a $100 gift card to the CCNC Golf Shop.
Despite a rainy start, golfers enjoyed a wonderful day on the course. Participants started the day with lunch and a chance to explore the exciting raffle prizes. The raffle table included prizes such as a Jalen Brunson-signed jersey.
This was followed by a round of golf on the beautiful CCNC course. Next came a cocktail hour and dinner ceremony featuring the 4th Annual Hall of Fame celebration. This special ceremony is a recognition for those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer and have also had a profound impact on the Project Purple community. These individuals are granted a purple jacket, along with a trophy, and their portrait is to be placed on the Project Purple Hall of Fame wall. This is a way to thank them for their contribution to Project Purple and honor their strength in their battle against pancreatic cancer.
Project Purple’s 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees: Crystal Morgan And Jay Buth
The Project Purple Hall of Fame honored Cyrtstal Morgan and Jay Buth, two pancreatic cancer survivors.
Crystal Morgan is a beacon of positivity and persistence. In 2016, Crystal was diagnosed with pancreatic and duodenal cancer. Through her recovery, Crystal did chemo and radiation therapy, had a Whipple procedure, and did immunotherapy. She called this series of events “the battle of my life.”
Crystal did have many members of her support system to lean on. Crystal stated that she “is blessed. I have a great system.” One of the most important parts of this system is Crystal’s faith. “I have to give all glory, honor, and praise to God. Without him, I would not be standing here today.” Crystal also praised her daughter, Alanna, her “miracle, caregiver, and heartbeat.” Alanna earned her master’s degree two weeks ago, and now gets to continue the celebration with Crystal being inducted into Project Purple’s Hall of Fame.
Jay Buth was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 2022 and has been on a journey ever since. The diagnosis took a toll on Jay’s life, but like Crystal, he had a great support system. “The love and support I received along the way just blew me away,” said Jay. He then told those who supported him, “I love all of you more than you could ever know. More than I could even say.”
Jay survived pancreatic cancer and has since become a Director on the Project Purple Board. “A survivor’s perspective is really important,” said Jay. He wanted to use his perspective to help people and be of service to Project Purple. He looks to fulfill Project Purple’s mission, which is to live in a world without pancreatic cancer. Jay also emphasized the three things you need in life: “Family, friends, and faith.”
Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary
Founded in 2010 by Dino Verelli after his father Giovanni’s battle with pancreatic cancer, Project Purple has spent the last 15 years funding cutting-edge early detection initiatives, driving crucial research, raising awareness, and providing financial aid support to patients battling the disease.
As of June 2025, the non-profit has granted over $4 million to cutting-edge research in the fields of early detection and curative treatment. This includes a $750,000 grant to Hartford Healthcare to establish the state’s largest pancreatic cancer screening program. This grant is the largest philanthropic donation to pancreatic cancer research efforts that have been made in Connecticut to date.
Project Purple’s Patient Financial Aid program has assisted over 1,500 families with daily living and medical expenses, providing over $1,300,000 in patient aid through its patient aid programs.
Contribute To Project Purple
This event would not have happened without the support of our community uniting under our mission to raise awareness and funds to tackle pancreatic cancer. If you are interested in getting involved with Project Purple and our powerful community, click on our Upcoming Events page for more information.
Interested in golfing or sponsoring this great event next year? Fill out this interest form.
