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Golf

Fundraiser aims to give kids wheels

By MIKE TOMPKINS
Published September 22, 2005

On Nov.13, a very admirable and beneficial golf outing will be taking place at The Links Golf Club in Hudson. In conjunction with the Marine Corps "Trikes for Tykes" program, Irene Thompson will play a golf marathon at the semi-private course, located off of Hudson Ave. at 8706 Pavilion Dr.

Thompson, along with business partner Bob Tiller, are co-owners of Full Circle Financial, LLC, a comprehensive wealth management firm in New Port Richey. While helping out with the Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" a couple of years ago, they caught wind of a bike, made only by the Marines, which allows quadriplegic children to ride while using hand pedals.

They volunteered last year, distributing several bikes to children from various organizations, and were hooked.

"When these kids receive these bikes, it's very heart-wrenching," Thompson said. "There was one child there who was so excited, because now he was able to go riding with his brother."

According to the Full Circle Financial press release, each bike is custom-fitted with extra rear wheels for increased stability, a full back-supporting plastic bike seat, raised hand pedals for mobility and steering, and a new bike helmet.

Each bike is given free of chargeon the condition that it is returned when the child outgrows it, so it can be re-fitted for another child to use. Each bike costs around $250. The Nov. 13 fundraiser will feature Thompson golfing from dawn til dusk with her swing coach, St. Leo University coach Ray Cisbani, while Tiller will compete in a half-marathon in Miami.

The duo is collecting pledges to match the total number of holes and miles completed.

For example, a pledge of $1 per unit will be a $115 donation should Tiller finish the half-marathon (75 miles) and Thompson completes 45 holes. Flat donations will also be accepted. All proceeds will go to benefit "Trikes for Tykes".

"We just hope people realize what we are putting our bodies through," Tiller said. "We hope golfers respect what (Irene) is doing, and the same goes for runners and bikers. We may be professionals, but we're not professional athletes."

"Our slogan is "Our pain is their gain,' " Thompson said. "Yes, we are going to be hurting, but if it's for the kids, it's worth it."

Thompson is looking forward to the challenge, which grew from an idea she mentioned to Cisbani. At Cisbani's request The Links Golf Club joined in, even offering a ranger to escort the pair through the course so they can get through as many holes as possible. "They've been so gracious," Thompson said. "You know, we just want to get this done for the kids. We take for granted the ability to do something like ride a bike. By doing this, we feel like we can give them some normalcy."

For more information, call (727) 834-9709 or log onto Fullcirclefinancial.net.

What's going on at your golf course? Contact Mike Tompkins at 813 431-4812 or email at MTompkins61@yahoo.com

[Last modified September 22, 2005, 01:04:14]