On Monday morning, June 10, nearly 100 of “Johnny’s friends” turned out to play golf, mingle, and most of all, help “Jerry’s kids.”

Former Iowa State men’s basketball coach Johnny Orr hosted a golf tournament which was expected to raise between $15,000 and $20,000. Proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The 9th Annual Johnny Orr Golf Classic, held at the Willow Creek Golf Course in West Des Moines, has grown steadily since its relatively small beginning.

This year the tourney included 20 teams competing in a 4-man best shot competition.

Orr said he was approached by the MDA nearly a decade ago while coaching for the Cyclones and has been active ever since.

He has enjoyed his tenure very much and has met thousands of people through his philanthropic work. Orr referred to his relationship with the MDA and Willow Creek as one of “great comradary” and “more like a family than anything.”

“It has been a fun tournament. I have worked with so many terrific people,” Orr said.

Orr added that the people at MDA are so dedicated to their work that, “I got very into it.”

According to Orr, it is an honor to have his name associated with such a worthy cause and to see people come out and support him and his cause.

“It’s a good feeling to raise money for a good cause. To be able to help makes you feel good,” Orr said. Orr figured that he has raised over $1 million since he came to Iowa State.

Orr and University of Iowa head football coach Hayden Fry have been very successful in helping the MDA and other organizations.

Last weekend, Orr helped raise over $50,000 for the Variety Club, a club that helps crippled and handicapped children. He has also been active across the state, aiding groups fighting diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

While extremely busy raising money for several organizations, Orr has also found time to enjoy his retirement by golfing, speaking, travelling and doing adverstisements.