Travelers is using its title sponsorship of the PGA Tour event in Connecticut next month "as a megaphone to raise money and awareness about ALS," according to Pat Eaton-Robb of the AP. The announcement comes as Travelers BOD Chair Jay Fishman said he is in "'the final innings' of his battle with Lou Gehrig's disease," but "is preparing" for the event. The tournament is working with the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Conn., to provide "tickets to patients and their families." Tourney officials also are "building a large, wheelchair-friendly tent" for the patients and families to "watch the action and providing special dining options to accommodate those who have trouble swallowing -- a common problem for ALS patients." Players, caddies and tournament officials "will wear red commemorative ribbons reading, 'Carry On,' something Fishman is known to say when talking about the disease." Travelers Championship Dir Nathan Grube said, "Once Jay announced what he was battling, it made perfect sense for us to partner with them to fight this disease." The Travelers Championship's previous primary charity, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses, "will continue to be a charitable partner, and more than 140 charities will benefit from money raised," which last year totaled $1.5M (AP, 7/16).
