The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Muscular Dystrophy Association are two of the most important parts of Guy Buzzelli Jr.'s life.

Mr. Buzzelli, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 9, has worked closely with the association since 2005. For the past 20 years, he has also sold tickets for the Pirates as a member of the Gold Club, a group of volunteers who receive incentives based on their sales.

Now, he's combining the two.

Mr. Buzzelli, 45, of Bethel Park, organized the Guy Buzzelli Jr. Golf Classic, to raise funds for the association. The event will be held Aug. 22 at Scenic Valley Golf Course in Peters. Many of the 100 golfers signed up are also customers who have purchased Pirates tickets from him. In addition, several former Pirates, including Kent Tekulve and Steve Blass, are expected to participate.

Mr. Buzzelli's goal is to raise $20,000.

"My customer and sales experience really help in my philanthropic endeavors," he said.

Mr. Buzzelli suffers from limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. He is unable to play golf, but calls it "the perfect summer fundraiser.''

Some of the money raised at the Golf Classic will go toward a program that sends children with muscular dystrophy to summer camps. When he was 15, Mr. Buzzelli was invited to such a camp, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"It was a big deal,'' he recalled. "I've had an opportunity to do a lot of things. Now I want to give back a little bit."

"If he has a goal in mind, he's going to achieve it," said Randi Minerva, a Muscular Dystrophy Association representative. "He's very determined."

Another fundraiser Mr. Buzzelli worked on, the MDA Muscle Team, has been tremendously successful, Ms. Minerva said.

This event, held in March since 2005, pairs a group of young people who have muscular dystrophy with a local coach or athlete to form a team. Pitt football coach Dave Wannstedt and basketball coach Jamie Dixon have participated. Sponsorships sell for $3,000, and this year the event raised about $300,000.

Mr. Buzzelli said he has more modest hopes for the Golf Classic. Foursomes have sold for $750, and businesses can sponsor a hole for $175. The golfers will begin their rounds at 10 a.m. There will be lunch after nine holes and dinner at the end of the day. After dinner, there will be a silent auction of sports memorabilia and a putting contest.

There are 1,400 people in Western Pennsylvania with muscular dystrophy who receive association services, Ms. Minerva said. The organization recognizes 43 neuromuscular disorders.

Mr. Buzzelli, who retired from the Port Authority, works from home for the Pirates. In 2006, he became the first Gold Club member to reach the $2 million mark in ticket sales. He's been rewarded with trips to Wrigley Field in Chicago and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Pirates' spring training and five All-Star Games.

For more information, call 412-854-1449.