Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Announces 21st Annual Driving Out Diabetes Golf Tournament

Mashantucket, Conn. — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will host its 21st Annual Driving Out Diabetes Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Lake of Isles in North Stonington. The longstanding charitable event brings together business leaders, Tribal citizens, community members and supporters to raise awareness about diabetes while supporting programs that promote healthier lives.

Since its founding in 2006, Driving Out Diabetes has raised more than $2.4 million to support diabetes prevention efforts, healthy living initiatives and community wellness programs benefiting Tribal Members and at-risk communities throughout Indian Country and beyond. Today, it is one of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s signature philanthropic events.

The tournament is co-chaired by Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Chairman Rodney Butler and Tribal Member Richard Sebastian, who have helped guide the event since its inception.

“Driving Out Diabetes is about more than a day on the golf course,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “It represents our ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes, raising awareness about diabetes and supporting programs that empower individuals and families to live healthier lives.”

Diabetes remains one of the most significant health challenges facing Native communities today. American Indian and Alaska Native adults are almost three times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than White adults, making education, prevention and access to healthy lifestyle resources critical priorities.

Proceeds from the tournament help support Tribal and community health initiatives, including healthy meals for Tribal Elders, youth fitness and recreation programs, diabetes prevention education and other wellness initiatives designed to encourage healthier living.

The tournament will be held at Lake of Isles, Connecticut’s premier golf destination, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch will be provided on the course, and the day will conclude with dinner and awards at 4 p.m.

Businesses and individuals interested in participating or becoming sponsors are encouraged to register.

For more information, to register, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the 21st Annual Driving Out Diabetes Golf Tournament, visit drivingoutdiabetes.mptn-nsn.gov or contact Dwaine Butler at [email protected].

About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of American’s greatest come-back stories which is featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resorts in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises, including Connecticut’s premiere luxury golf experience, Lake of the Isles and the decadent Spa at Norwich Inn. The Tribe’s health and wellness company, Pequot Health Care, is an industry leader in tribal and commercial health plan management and pharmaceutical services. As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States. Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean beautiful land, a safe community and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the wellbeing of our Tribal Members, employees and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed.
To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.