Derricks & Diamonds raises over $350,000 for cancer research, support
The 2014 Derricks & Diamonds charity softball tournament and gala raised more than $350,000, passing the $2 million mark in total funds donated over the past decade for pediatric oncology research and improving the lives and care of children battling cancer. The event, launched in 2004 by National Oilwell Varco and Schlumberger, contributes 100% of monetary contributions to Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH). Proceeds from a raffle and winning auction bids go to the Snowdrop Foundation, which assists patients and their families at the TCH Cancer Center through funding for continued research to eliminate childhood cancer and scholarships for college-bound pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
“The event began with a softball tournament initiated by NOV and Schlumberger and, primarily by word of mouth, has blossomed to include teams from all sectors of the oil and gas industry,” said Katie Cage, Technical Marketing Coordinator for NOV and chairwoman of the fundraiser. “This is an event that unifies the energy industry, with companies joining forces for the same cause.” All operational costs were underwritten so that every dollar raised was donated.
Thirteen companies participated in this year’s tournament: Atwood Oceanics, Bayou Well Services, Caterpillar, Diamond Offshore Drilling, The Directional Drilling Company, Energy Alloys, Ernst & Young, Gyro Data, Noble Drilling, Noble Energy, Weatherford, WildHorse Resources and Worldwide Oilfield Machine. The event was held 3-4 May at Cullen Park in Katy, Texas. Each participating company purchased a team for $5,000 and raised funds before and during the tournament, Ms Cage said.
Approximately 300 donors attended the Field of Dreams gala, held 7 June on the field at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Merrill A. “Pete” Miller Jr., who recently stepped down as chairman, president and CEO of NOV, received the Light the Way award in recognition of his longtime support and efforts on behalf of the Derricks & Diamonds event. Live auction items included artwork handcrafted by TCH Cancer Center patients and three works of art donated by NOV depicting various aspects of the offshore industry. The works, including a woodcarving depicting a floating production and storage and offloading unit, was originally commissioned for NOV’s booth at the 2014 Offshore Technology Conference.
