RIVERVIEW - Owners of Pro Golf Superstore recently hosted a golf tournament to benefit families dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - Lou Gehrig's disease - and research. The event, held at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview, raised about $20,000.
The golf store hosted the event in conjunction with Friend of a Friend, a not-for-profit organization in Tampa dedicated to raising funds for ALS research, an adopt-a-family program and educational symposiums.
Half of the money raised will go to two families adopted by FOF. The remainder goes to the local ALS chapter in Tampa.
Pro Golf Superstore owner Eric Ratcliffe's mother, Rita, was diagnosed with the disease two years ago at age 57. She's the reason for the tournament.
"I knew nothing about the disease until she was diagnosed," said Ratcliffe. Now he's teamed up with his friend to help find a cure.
"Pro Golf has been instrumental in raising awareness in the community," said Dino Scanio, president of FOF. "For their first tournament, they did a remarkable job."
Pro Golf plans to host a similar event next year. FOF will be hosting a golf tournament for disease research later this month at Walden Lakes in Plant City. For information on joining the tournament or donating, call 960-8200. GYMNASTIC CLASSES: The Suntwister program, at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, offers gymnastic classes for students of all levels and abilities. Lessons for children age 3 and up are offered. The center, at 405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, has a spring floor, a tumbling strip, a gymnastic pit and tumble track and parallel and uneven bars, balance beams, pommel horse and vault. Call 689-0908.
- Tell us about your sports signups, events and victories. Please send information to Michelle Jones, Brandon Times, 426 W Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 or fax it to 661-2427. Include the date time, cost and a contact phone number. Information must be received at least two weeks before the event.
