Helicopter Golf Ball Drop Supporting ALS Research and Treatment Opens to Public

August 6, 2025

SEATTLE (August 7, 2025) – Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative research to cure ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and find effective treatments that help improve the lives of those affected by the disease, announces an opportunity for the public to support ALS research by participating in a helicopter golf ball drop.

The drop will occur prior to the organization’s annual Cure ALS Golf Classic on August 25, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Up to 200 golf balls will be dropped in unison from a helicopter hovering up to 50 feet above the chipping green at The Golf Club at Newcastle in Newcastle, Washington. Whoever’s ball lands closest to the hole, or in the hole, wins a golf experience for two at The Pebble Beach Golf Links & Spyglass Hill Golf Course along with a 2-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay, being sponsored by tournament committee member Mark Gray. Golf balls for the Pebble Beach Ball Drop can be purchased for $100 each by noon on the day of the drop here. Each purchaser is assigned a numbered ball, with a maximum of 200 entries available.

“We are inviting people from anywhere around the country to support research into treatments, and ultimately a cure, for ALS because we know that so many are affected by this debilitating disease,” said Land Advisors Organization’s Scott Cameron, chairman of the 2025 Cure ALS Golf Classic. “For those of us who have been personally touched by this devastating disease, the helicopter golf ball drop is a fun and easy way to help others and support potentially life-changing ALS research.”

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, one in 400 people are diagnosed with ALS in their lifetime, which equates to 5,000 people being newly diagnosed each year in the United States. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is currently 3-5 years. Augie’s Quest co-founder Augie Nieto, a fitness mogul who created Lifecycle, Life Fitness and Octane Fitness, was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and succumbed to the disease in March 2023. Lifelong athlete Phil Green, a member of the University of Washington football team when they won the 1991 Rose Bowl, was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 and lost his battle with the disease on July 19, 2025. Green was a fierce advocate for the ALS community who was dedicated to raising awareness, driving progress and uplifting others. He served on the Augie’s Quest Leadership Council, the Cure ALS Golf Committee, and significantly changed the space for the better.

Recent ALS data indicates a higher incidence among elite athletes, military personnel, and those in high-adrenaline roles, who are about 25% more likely to be diagnosed.

“Augie was known for challenging convention, aiming higher and supporting bold ideas, particularly when knowing he could potentially have a significant positive impact on the lives of others,” said Shannon Shryne, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS President & Co-Founder. “Whether it be through revolutionary research techniques or treatments that extend the lives and comfort of those living with ALS, we are driving toward Augie’s goal of a future without ALS welcome the public to be part of these efforts through our Helicopter Golf Ball Drop, or any of the other many ways that they can support Augie’s Quest available through the website.”

Proceeds from the Pebble Beach Ball Drop will go towards supporting potentially life-changing treatments and innovative research initiatives.

About Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS

Founded in 2005 by Augie Nieto and Shannon Shryne, Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS funds innovative research and treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) across the United States. The nonprofit aims to advance breakthroughs and ultimately find a cure, supporting people living with ALS. Learn more at augiesquest.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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