Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund: How Golf is Supporting Cancer Research
A powerful story of friendship and the fight against cancer
How Two Friends from Indiana Turned Their Passion for Golf into a Philanthropic Mission, Raising Over $500,000 for Cancer Research Through a Charity Golf Outing
Running a charity golf outing isn’t how most people choose to spend their free time. But for Jake Peacock, Head Golf Professional at Victoria National, and his lifelong friend Steven Sullivan, it was something they felt deeply called to do.
"I wish I never had to do this," said Jake Peacock.
Moved by their mothers’ cancer diagnoses, Jake and Steven combined their passion for golf and strong community ties to create an annual charity golf outing named in honor of their mothers—Jeanne Potts and Martha Sullivan. With support from sponsors and partners like Dormie Network Foundation, their annual charity golf outing that started from grassroots efforts has grown into a major fundraiser named the Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund. Since 2017, the duo has raised more than $500,000 for cancer research.
Steven and Jake hold onto the hope that one day there will be a cure. Until then, they remain committed to doing everything they can to support those facing the toughest fight of their lives.
A Two Man Show: About Jake Peacock and Steven Sullivan
Steven Sullivan and Jake Peacock have been close friends since their middle school days in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Jake Peacock and his mother Jeanne Potts
Meet Jake
Jake Peacock has spent his career building more than a golf resume—he's built a community.
A golf professional since 2009, Jake got his start after graduating from the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle Beach. One of his earliest roles was at Victoria National Golf Club—a top 100 course—where he worked from 2010 to 2011. Dormie Network didn’t acquire the property until 2018.
In 2014, when Jake began a new chapter at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, his mother, Jeanne Potts, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction and, by 2015 had a clean bill of health. During his time at Prairie View, Jake met Kelly—who was managing food and beverage and event operations at the club. Kelly’s father owned the club. In October 2020, Jake and Kelly were married.
Just three weeks after their wedding, Jake received news that Jeanne’s cancer had returned and spread. Doctors gave her 18 months to live. After a courageous battle, she passed away in June 2021.
Jake stayed at Prairie View until early 2023, when he returned to where it all began—Victoria National—this time as Head Golf Professional. He’s now in his third full season there.
Meet SteveN
In 2016, Steven’s mother, Martha Sullivan, was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The prognosis was grim, but Martha fought with incredible strength and resilience. Against the odds, she survived—and today, she remains in remission.
By day, Steven serves as Director of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis and Functional Support at Allegion. But his commitment to giving back—and honoring his mom’s fight—continues to be a defining part of who he is.
Steven’s LLS Man of the Year Campaign: Martha’s Son Makes A Run
In 2017, driven by his mother’s cancer diagnosis and a desire to turn grief into purpose, Steven decided to run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man of the Year campaign—a national fundraising competition.
Man & Woman of the Year is a ten-week philanthropic competition where passionate individuals rally support in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors. The man and woman who raise the most in their region earn the title of Man or Woman of the Year. National recognition goes to the top fundraisers across the entire country.
Steven asked his longtime friend Jake Peacock to join his team. Naturally, Jake suggested hosting a charity golf outing at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield, Indiana. Steven named his campaign Martha’s Son Makes a Run—a heartfelt nod to his mother, Martha. Neither Steven nor Jake had ever organized a golf tournament before, but that didn’t stop them.
When the day of the golf outing arrived, the weather forecast was bleak. Cold. Rainy. Typical unpredictable spring in Indiana. At one point, they weren’t even sure people would show up. But then—something shifted.
The day dawned overcast but dry, a surprising 75 degrees instead of the predicted 40 and rainy. And the people came. Friends, family, neighbors, colleagues. They showed up, they played, and they gave.
In just ten weeks, the Martha’s Son Makes a Run campaign raised $50,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, including $15,000 from the golf outing alone.
Jake’s LLS Man of the Year Campaign: JeanNe's Journey
In 2018, Steven passed the baton to Jake to run for Man of the Year. Jake accepted and named his campaign Jeanne’s Journey. During this time, he discovered his father-in-law, Matt Cohoat, had won LLS Man of the Year in 2013. That year, Jake and Steven raised $72,000 for LLS.
Both Jake and Steven went head-to-head with well-established professionals in their career during their Man of the Year campaign. While neither took home the title, they broke the mold—proving that young professionals can step up, lead boldly, and rally support in meaningful ways. Their involvement sparked inspiration among early-career individuals and helped LLS engage a new demographic. Though they haven’t returned to the Man of the Year campaign since, their commitment hasn’t wavered. Each year, their annual golf outing continues to grow in reach and impact.
The first two years of the outing were held at Wood Wind Golf Club, then it moved to Prairie View Golf Club.
Over time, they’ve leaned into their network of relationships—from personal friends to corporate partners—to grow the event. Sponsorships have become the cornerstone of their fundraising. Sponsors like St. Elmo Steakhouse, Barkeep Vodka, Dormie Network Foundation, Allegion, Thompson Thrift, and Ale Emporium have elevated the outing’s profile and fundraising.
Jake credits much of the event’s success to the relationships he’s built throughout his golf career and through Dormie Network. “People have been willing to give and support in ways I never expected,” he reflects.
The event also includes standout opportunities like a $5,000, 60-foot putting contest—$2,500 goes to the player if they make the putt, and $2,500 to the charity. One year, a participant sank the putt and donated the full prize back to the cause. It was a powerful reminder of the generosity and shared purpose that drives this event year after year.
“The experience is ultimately what brings people back,” says Steven. Each year, 30 minutes before tee-off, guest speakers take the mic—child cancer survivors, family members, executive directors from cancer organizations, even researchers who’ve directly benefited from the funds raised. These moments help attendees understand exactly where their money is going.
Indiana University Foundation Partnership
The Creation of Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund for Cancer Research
In 2022, Indiana University (Steven’s alma mater), reached out to Jake and Steven with a proposal: the IU School of Medicine and its research arm wanted to become the official fiscal partner of the charity golf outing.
This partnership meant that all proceeds would now be directed to cancer research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, eliminating the need for Jake and Steven to form their own nonprofit organization. It added credibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability to their mission.
Out of this collaboration, the Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund for Cancer Research was created—named in honor of Jake’s mother, Jeanne Potts, and Steven’s mother, Martha Sullivan. The fund directly supports the work of nearly 300 researchers who investigate everything from understanding the molecular changes that cause cancer to the development of targeted therapies to prevent and treat cancer.
The golf outing continued to grow and Jake and Steven’s commitment didn’t go unnoticed. In recognition of their efforts, they were invited to join the Indiana University Melvin & Bren Simon Cancer Center Development Board, serving alongside notable leaders like Pete Ward, COO of the Indianapolis Colts, and Barbara Baekgaard, co-founder of Vera Bradley.
Jake and Steven were recently recognized at the 2025 Indiana University Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Awards ceremony. The event honors those who contribute to Indiana University programs through gifts and voluntary services. Since 2022, Jake and Steven have raised nearly $212,000 for Indiana University cancer research through the annual golf outing.
“We are honored to be the beneficiary of the charitable work of these gentlemen and grateful for their continued commitment to fueling progress in cancer research.”
Partnering with Dormie Network Foundation and GolfStatus
In 2024, Jake reached out to Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation, to request support for their annual charity golf outing. Brian and the Foundation responded generously, providing in-kind donations including Dormie Network memberships and Stay and Play Packages. These premium experiences—designed for golf enthusiasts—proved to be major draws. In total, two Stay and Play Packages and three memberships were sold, raising $30,000 for the Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund.
Jake shared that having Dormie Network experiences available at the event added instant credibility—an ideal match for the golf-loving attendees. Getting connected with the Network has helped grow the event’s fundraising potential by expanding the circle of supporters. At the August 2024 event, four teams of Dormie Network members participated. These members purchased sponsorships, team entries, and more.
“There’s nobody else that can leverage a network of people—or raise this kind of money in this kind of timeframe—like Dormie Network Foundation (DNF) can. It’s an easy sell, if you understand the product DNF has to offer. It’s invaluable in terms of the money you can raise for your organization compared to the time it takes.”
- Jake Peacock
“It’s been a crazy ride,” shares Steven. It’s hard to believe how big the event has gotten. The 2024 outing alone raised $90,000+.
The team also credits GolfStatus, which they use to manage the outing, with streamlining operations. A sister company to Dormie Network Foundation, GolfStatus made it easier to organize the event, sell sponsorships, and manage logistics—allowing Jake and Steven to focus on what mattered most: connecting with their supporters.
Inspiring People to Raise Money with A Charity Golf Tournament
To date, Jake and Steven have raised more than $500,000 for LLS and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center through their charity golf efforts. Remarkably, they’ve kept the event’s location and price consistent, aiming to maintain its grassroots, community-driven feel. Their focus has always been on making it a meaningful experience for those closest to them.
Looking ahead, the 2025 golf outing carries a goal of raising $100,000. To help get there, Dormie Network Foundation has made a two-year commitment to direct net proceeds from the Collier Classic, a Dormie Network member-guest event, to the Jeanne & Martha Fore a Cure Fund. Their shared hope is to generate an additional $100,000+ annually.
Jake Peacock and Steven Sullivan are examples of how anyone can launch a charity golf outing with a strong mission and a community-oriented approach.
There are many ways to support the Jeanne & Martha Fore A Cure Fund for Cancer Research.
Dormie Network Foundation is always looking to support nonprofit organizations with in-kind donations. If you have a golf tournament or fundraising event on the horizon, request consideration for support.
