Mission
The mission of The Eric M. Suhl Foundation ("EMSF") is to positively impact the lives of those suffering with Crohn's and colitis and mental health issues.
About the Foundation
The EMSF was created in memory of Eric Matthew Suhl, who passed away in February 2016. He was 28 years old. He will forever be remembered by his parents Debra and Randy Suhl, his brothers Kyle and Ryan Suhl, and his four legged best friend Callie.
Eric was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008. He was seriously hospitalized twice as the disease’s effects took hold immediately. Despite his struggles, he was consistently upbeat and made every effort to ensure everyone was having fun. In most cases, he refused to talk about how this disease was affecting his life. Each year, the EMSF hosts the Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament in his memory. The tournament format is inspired by Eric and his love for those around him to have a good time. It features unique games and contests, allowing golfers of all skill levels to participate and enjoy themselves.
To help understand the issues and struggles for those with Crohn's and colitis, ABC Channel 13 produced the special, "The Voices of IBD". Eric's story, the Suhl Family and The Eric M. Suhl Foundation were featured. See the segment below!
Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament, Team Cool Suhlio
2016
The inaugural Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament was held on May 15, 2016, a few months after Eric's passing. The tournament benefited the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation ("CCF"). Additionally, the EMSF formed Team Cool Suhlio, which participated in the Take Steps Walk for Crohn's & Colitis put on by the CCF. With everyone's generosity, we were able to surpass our fundraising goal and donate $25,000 to the CCF.
2017
In 2017, the EMSF hosted the 2nd Annual Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament as well as participated in the CCF's Take Steps walk. We had over 100 more golfers in 2017 (248 golfers) as the inaugural tournament (136 golfers). As a result, we were able to donate $50,000 to the CCF, doubling our total from 2016.
2018
In 2018, The EMSF was proud to form Team Cool Suhlio to again walk in the CCF Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis on May 19, 2018. The following day, May 20, 2018, the EMSF held the 3rd Annual Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament. The weekend benefited Crohn's & Colitis and mental health Initiatives. The tournament had a record 252 golfers, 63 foursomes, participating! Because of the huge turnout both days and the generosity of all of the participants, sponsors, and donors, the EMSF was proud to be able to donate $75,000 towards these initiatives, again increasing the amount donated from the previous year!
2019
Flash forward to 2019, Team Cool Suhlio once again participated in the CCF Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis held on March 30, 2019. Then, on May 18, 2019, the EMSF held the 4th Annual Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament had a record 260 golfers participating! Because of the huge turnout and the generosity of all of YOU, the EMSF is proud to be able to donate $105,000 to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and JFS Touching the Heart Suicide Prevention Program. We have also established an endowed scholarship in Eric’s name at the University of Texas. Any student enrolled at UT (Austin) who suffers from colitis, Crohn's, or IBD may apply. The scholarship is a permanent endowed gift to UT. With your continued support, we hope to increase the endowment each year and grow the annual award to cover a full year’s tuition. Click HERE to learn more!
2020
Despite the unexpected turn of events in 2020, we were still able to hold the 5th Annual Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament in the Fall. With the support of friends and family, the EMSF was proud to be able to donate $30,000 to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, JFS Touching the Heart Suicide Prevention Program and The Eric M. Suhl Scholarship at UT Austin.
2021
The Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament was better than ever this year. The SOLD OUT event brought in 260 golfers, 50 volunteers and a whole lotta smiles. The EMSF was proud to be able to donate $80,000 to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, JFS Touching the Heart Suicide Prevention Program and The Eric M. Suhl Scholarship at UT Austin.
2022
Not only did we SELL OUT the 7th Annual Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament one month prior, but we also brought back the Bowl A Strike for Mental Health event which was a HUGE success! With everyone's support, we were able to donate $95,000 to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, JFS Touching the Heart Suicide Prevention Program and The Eric M. Suhl Scholarship at UT Austin.
2023
May 20th, 2023 brought an Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament record breaking 271 golfers and 45 volunteers together for another SOLD OUT tournament! We saw good golf, bad golf and a full day of fun concluding with an amazing $75,000 donation made to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, JFS Touching the Heart Suicide Prevention Program and The Eric M. Suhl Scholarship at UT Austin. After nine years of tremendously generous support from our friends, family and community the Eric M. Suhl Foundation has raised and donated $535,000 to positively impact the lives of those suffering with Crohn's, colitis and mental health issues.
For more information about the allocation of the donations each year, please see our EMSF page. To learn more about the causes we donate towards, please see our Initiatives page.
2023 Check Presentation
From left to right: Randy Suhl, Ryan Suhl, Sally Fang, Kyle Suhl, Jeff Magids (Vice President), Eric Horvitz (President), Debra Suhl, Jodi Gough
Click HERE to watch Debra Suhl's interview on Houston Life with Lauren Kelly!
Touching the Heart Program
See the below video for more information about the Touching the Heart program:
2019 Eric M. Suhl Memorial Golf Tournament
Tournament Highlights
The Voices of IBD