Over the past 30-plus years, the Brian Parker Memorial Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for educational materials, research grants, monetary assistance and support for those who have cancer in the greater Michiana area.

The non-profit organization began in honor of Brian Parker, a Niles teenager who died at the age of 14 after a 17-month battle with leukemia.

On Sunday, the 32nd annual Brian Parker Memorial Golf Tournament will be held beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Indian Lake Hills Golf Course in Eau Claire.

The first tournament held in August of 1982 featured 16 teams and raised $500.

It has come a long way since then.

Judy Parker, Brian’s mother, said the tournament raised nearly $50,000 last year with more than 400 participants.

Parker credits the generosity of the greater Niles community for the foundation’s success.

“I am just so thankful to the people here and the surrounding area that believe in our vision,” she said. “They help and they continue to help. We’ve raised more than I ever thought we would.”

At the 27-hole course at Indian Lake Hills Golf Course, The Brian is able to host 54 four-person teams at each of the shotgun starts — 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The $60 per player entry includes greens fees, carts and food.

Here are some facts about the foundation:

The Brian Parker Memorial Foundation does not have any paid staff.

In addition to supporting those in need suffering from cancer, the foundation donates to cancer research at the University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan and Indiana University. By donating funds to scholarships through Lakeland Hospital, the foundation is able to assist those seeking education in the medical field.

For more information, or to check on the availability of spots for the tournament, visit the website brianparkerfoundation.com.

You can also call Dick and Judy Parker at (269) 683-3713.