For more information, go to the Scramble '11 webpage or contact the tournament organizer, Karen Carlson, by email at karen_a_carlson at att dot net.

updated May 5, 2011

(Check out photos from previous CWF Scramble Against Cancer Golf Tournaments: 2008, 2007, 2006.)

In Memoriam: Mike Langstrom

The Carl Wilson Foundation deeply regrets the recent loss of our friend and supporter, Mike Langstrom, who died of complications due to pancreatic cancer last Saturday March 7, 2009. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Beverly, and to his entire family. Mike was a great guy whom we all got to know over the past few years since he and his wife regularly attended our annual golf scramble in Michigan. He had a very special place in his heart for Carl Wilson and for that alone, he will truly be missed.

March 12, 2009

photo copyright © 2007, courtesy of Mike Langstrom

photo copyright © 1977, courtesy of Mike Langstrom

Carl Wilson Tribute — 10 Year Anniversary Benefit Concert & Fundraiser

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2008
Venue: The Roxy Theatre
Location: 9009 Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 278-9457
Donation: $100 (tax deductible)
Doors: 6 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.

Performers: Al Jardine, David Marks, Guitar Legend Dick Dale, Carnie & Wendy Wilson, The Honeys, Adam Marsland's Chaos Band, and special guest Brian Wilson.

Tickets are available exclusively through the Roxy (cash and credit cards accepted at the door, credit cards only accepted for phone orders). Proceeds from this event will be donated to City of Hope. More info.

updated October 2, 2008

Special Message from the CWF Scramble Against Cancer Golf Tournament Organizer

Exactly 17 years ago a man named Carl Wilson made an impression on my heart that will remain with me forever. If there was ever any cause in which I would place all of my efforts and free time, it would be the fight against cancer; and if there ever was a person whom I would like to honor with these efforts, it would be Carl Wilson.

The idea for a golf outing all started with my inability to make it out to California for the last two benefits and a phone call to Justyn and Jonah inquiring about the possibility of expanding the foundations' efforts to include destinations other than Southern California in an attempt to include more of Carl's loyal fan base.

The first annual Carl Wilson Foundation Scramble Against Cancer was a great success, we had around 60 golfers who are not only very excited about participating again next year, but are also going to recruit their friends to participate as they all had an incredible time and helped raise money to fight cancer at the same time.

Carl's son Justyn Wilson, Dennis' son Carl B. Wilson, Justyn's dearest friends Steve Wachler and Luke Emery, Terry & Annie Wilson Karges, and of course Billy Hinsche were all enjoying the festivities in Kalamazoo, Michigan — from tubing and bar-b-queuing at Indian Lake at our home to golfing at Gull Lake View Golf Club, one of the top ten courses in the state. It was truly an experience I will cherish forever as the boys made it feel like Carl was back with us again — if even for a moment.

Gibson Guitars, who were founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, generously donated lunch for the outing as well as a beautiful Gibson ES-137 Heritage Sunburst guitar for the silent auction which my husband generously bought for me as a memento of the first of many outings to come.

The weather was perfect, the course was beautiful, and everyone had the time of their lives. I can't wait to get started on #2 and hopefully see more and more of Carl's fans join us every year to celebrate the life of such a wonderful man and fight against the disease that took him from us at such a young age.

Karen Carlson
Organizer/Promoter

August 11, 2005

Jonah and Justyn Wilson: Keeping Dad's Memory Alive

Born into a life of "California Dreamin'," Jonah and Justyn Wilson were always daddy's special boys. The Wilson brothers were raised in the spotlight as the two sons of Carl Dean Wilson, founding member, lead guitarist, and vocalist of the quintessential Southern California rock band, The Beach Boys. Six years ago, despite his valiant efforts, Carl succumbed to his battle with lung cancer on February 6, 1998.

Following his death, the brothers founded the Carl Wilson Foundation (CWF) in their extraordinary father's honor. Dedicated to cancer research and to helping musicians in need, the organization has established a relationship of giving with City of Hope (COH). Lead by Jonah, a 34-year-old real estate director, and Justyn, a 32-year-old musician hoping to follow in his father's footsteps, the altruistic organization has made several generous contributions to COH. "Several years ago, I had written a check to City of Hope," says Jonah. "Instead of Christmas presents, I decided to give a gift to the organization in other people's names." Jonah, a one-time direct-mail donor, now supports COH annually, with a portion of the proceeds from the CWF's annual concert benefiting the organization.

Since its inception in 1999, the CWF's annual fund-raising concert, typically headlined by Carl's brother and fellow Beach Boy Brian Wilson, has continued to grow each year, attracting such notable artists as Eric Clapton, Sugar Ray, Joe Walsh, and Jackson Browne. In addition to the tribute concert, the foundation hosts a 5k Walk Against Cancer.

For the Wilson sons, who spent the final years of their father's life by his side supporting him as he fought for his life, giving to COH seems a fitting tribute to their personal hero. "Our dedication to City of Hope and to cancer research starts and ends with our dad, and epitomizes our desire to honor him in a way worthy of such a wonderful man," says Justyn. "City of Hope is the perfect fit for the Carl Wilson Foundation. Its dual dedication to world-renowned cancer research and compassionate patient care is what continues to attract us to this outstanding charity."

Greg Critchett was tragically taken from his family on March 9, 2003. Greg Critchett and his wife Sharon have been long time supporters of the Carl Wilson Walk Against Cancer and have made many friends over the years. He will be greatly missed.

Greg was born in Springfield, Illinois, on July 15, 1950, but moved to Omaha, Nebraska as a toddler. He lived in Omaha until 1987 when we made the move to Ahwatukee (suburb of Phoenix), Arizona.

Greg and I met in Junior High and have been together all this time. We just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary in February. His love for the Beach Boys carried over into our family life as our daughter's name is Barbara Ann and our son is Brian. Barbara Ann  has a son Kendell (13) and a daughter Kalisa (7). Our son Brian is single and finishing college at ASU.

Greg worked in the cabinet business, but most recently he was "semi-retired." He loved spending the last months with his family because he had so much extra time. From the moment I met Greg in the 60's he was fascinated by the Beach Boys and their sound. His love of their music has never stopped. He continues with the oldies but very much enjoys Brian's new songs, Carnie and Wendy's, Al's and so on. Our children and grandchildren are well versed on the history of the Beach Boys and know most of their songs and will carry on this passion to the next generation!

Sharon Critchett

Vibrations Better Than Good at Wilson Benefit

There's not much missing from "Good Vibrations," Brian Wilson's 1966 Beach Boys masterpiece that took six months, miles of tape, and an everything-but-the kitchen-sink approach to realize. But it turns out that the song can stand the addition of one more thing: some blues guitar licks.

At least it can if the person providing the licks is Eric Clapton. The English guitarist joined Wilson and his band on that song Sunday [Oct. 6, 2002] at UCLA's Royce Hall, and though "Vibrations" is about as un-blues as you can get, Clapton, with typical grace, slid in subtly here and there.

To read the full article and a report on the Carl Walk V weekend's events, go here.

October 8, 2002

Carl Wilson Foundation Walk Marks Five Years

The Carl Wilson Foundation's fifth annual Carl Wilson Walk Against Cancer and associated events were held on the weekend of October 5-6 in Santa Monica, California, and nearby Los Angeles.

The foundation (CWF) was established in 1999 in honor of Carl Dean Wilson, founding member and lead guitarist of The Beach Boys, who succumbed to cancer the previous year after a long and valiant battle. The primary aim of CWF is to help in the funding of cancer research and to aid those afflicted with the disease. CWF is a proud contributor to a number of cancer-related relief organizations, among them The Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians. Contributions to the Petrillo Fund specifically support musicians with cancer.

The three-mile walk was held on Saturday, October 5, at the scenic Santa Monica Palisades, followed by the now-famous annual beach party, this year featuring Beach Boys guitarist Billy Hinsche of Local 47 (Los Angeles). The all-star Carl Wilson Foundation Benefit Concert was held the following day at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus, in the Westwood area of Los Angeles. Eric Clapton joined headliner Brian Wilson, also of Local 47, along with special guests In Bloom, Sugar Ray, bassist Matthew Sweet of Local 463 (Lincoln, NE), and keyboard artist/songwriter/arranger Van Dyke Parks of Local 47.

New this year was a Historical Bus Tour, where participants were taken on a chartered tour of locations in and around Los Angeles that are significant in Beach Boys lore. Sites included places where the Beach Boys performed and recorded, the Beach Boys' Star on the Walk of Fame at [Sunset] & Vine, and former homes of various Beach Boys.

AFM members seeking to apply for a grant from funds provided by the Carl Wilson Foundation are invited to complete the Petrillo Fund application. Visit the AFM website for further information.

Jimmy Petrillo served as President of the AFM (American Federation of Musicians) from 1940 through 1958. He is perhaps best remembered by most for having led the AFM into a nationwide strike of the recording industry. While the negotiation of the Music Performance Trust Fund was one element of the resolution of this national job action, he — among other things — was responsible for the creation of the Lester Petrillo Fund. This charitable trust fund for disabled musicians was created by James C. Petrillo in 1951 in honor of his son, Lester, who died at the age of thirteen. It was Jimmy's $10,000 personal check that provided the initial funding for this program and he continued on as a regular contributor in the years that followed.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to temporarily or permanently disabled AFM members. The AFM annually processes approximately 225 applications for assistance. Unfortunately, the economics of our day places certain limitations on the size of grants. Those grants, however, regardless of size, provide financial aid to those members in need.

Members may apply for a grant from the Lester Petrillo Fund by completing an application form which may be secured from their local's Secretary. Members wishing to provide direct contributions to the Fund may do so at any time by sending a check or money order made out to the Lester Petrillo Fund to Secretary-Treasurer's Office: American Federation of Musicians: 1501 Broadway, Suite 600: New York, NY 10036. We will attempt to acknowledge all contributions in the International Musician.

As you read in the November 2000 issue of International Musician, The Carl Wilson Foundation, in conjunction with the AFM, has allocated funds for distribution to AFM members. Carl Wilson, co-founder and guitarist of the Beach Boys, passed away in 1998 at the age of 51 from lung and brain cancer. The Carl Wilson Foundation, founded by his two sons, Jonah and Justyn, is dedicated to cancer research and to improving the quality of life of musicians afflicted with the disease.

We are grateful to Billy Hinsche, CFO of The Carl Wilson Foundation (and brother-in-law of the late Carl Wilson) for his dedication and commitment to this important cause. The generous contribution provided to the Lester Petrillo Fund will serve as a meaningful benefit to those AFM members facing the adversity of cancer.

Those wishing to apply for a grant from funds provided by The Carl Wilson Foundation should complete the Petrillo Fund application and designate it as a Carl Wilson Foundation request.

The Lester Petrillo Fund is a charitable trust fund that provides financial aid to disabled members. The fund provides assistance to qualified applicants on an emergency basis. Funds from the CWF donation will be used specifically to assist those AFM members battling cancer who are in need of assistance meeting their medical or financial needs.

"In our efforts to find a home for the money we were raising, we came across the Lester Petrillo Fund, " explains Billy Hinsche, the Carl Wilson Foundation's CFO. "It really was tailor-made to what the boys thought Carl would approve of — and that is to not only raise money for cancer research, but to raise money for cancer research specifically to benefit musicians. There are so many things going on that are cancer-related, but this has a very specific focus. It just worked out for us; it's the only organization that came up in our search that was simply a perfect fit." Hinsche, a longtime member of Local 47, is also the late Wilson's [former] brother-in-law.

The CWF's primary fundraising activity is its yearly walk against cancer, in conjunction with a number of other special events in a two-day period. This year's events kicked off on October 7 with "Beach Party A Go Go," a sing-a-long event traditionally held at Paradise Cove in Malibu, California — the site where the photograph for the original Surfin' Safari cover was taken.

"It's really just a casual get-together," explains Hinsche, "a big picnic atmosphere. I bring a little battery powered keyboard and acoustic guitar and I invite my musician friends with their acoustic guitars, and some of the fans bring guitars or whatever they like. It's sort of on old-fashioned sing-along. It sounds really square and corny, but it's a blast — and of course we sing Beach Boy songs. That way the fans, who've come in from all over the world really, can meet and get to know each other and have something to do on the Saturday before the main event."

The following day's 5K walk is coupled with a full-scale concert event, a barbecue, and an auction complete with items like rare photos and autographed guitars. The whole event is very family-oriented and attended by fans, numerous members of the Wilson family, and countless members of the Beach Boys' extended musical family.

"The fans have an opportunity to mingle with the family and with a lot of people they wouldn't normally have a chance to get near," says Hinsche. "They get to talk with them and take photos with them — it's like a big family picnic. There is no security per se; it's all very open. That's something that money can't buy."

Hinsche says this year's events were a raging success, and that he and the Wilsons are pleased to have found the Lester Petrillo Fund an organization which will enable individual musicians to benefit from the proceeds. He expects that the foundation's activities will only continue to grow.

"We raised a bunch of money in Carl's memory" says Hinsche, "and I consider it a success. One of our goals is to just keep having it get bigger and better — it's all very exciting. I'm very proud of the work that we've done."