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MIKE TOMPKINSGolf outing and triathlon help raise money for Marine Corps' Trikes for Tykes program.
When a couple of good people, Irene Thompson and Bob Tiller, decided to help out the "few good men" of the United States Marine Corps and their "Trikes for Tykes" program, they had no idea what to expect.
All they knew was that last year, while helping to distribute the bikes - special custom-fitted ones made only by the Marines, which allows quadriplegic children to ride using hand pedals - they had to do something more.
This past weekend, Thompson and Tiller, co-owners of Full Circle Financial, LLC, raised nearly $7,000 for the program, enough for nearly 30 of the trikes.
Thompson took part in a golf marathon at The Links Golf Club in Hudson, while Tiller competed in an ironman half-triathlon in Miami. While each may have had a perspective of how fun their respective events were, the end outcome was all that mattered.
"I was absolutely going non-stop," said Thompson, who completed 45 holes in 5 hours. "Especially after I shot that (opening round) 89, because I had never broke 100 on that course. I could have played another nine, I was so pumped up when I was done."
In addition to an escort, Thompson was joined by her swing coach, St. Leo University head coach Ray Cisbani who had her eliminate a practice swing when playing. Thompson says that saved both energy and time. The weird thing was playing through everyone else.
"The course got crowded on the second round. People were like, "Who is this woman?' Talk about pressure. It was an instant gallery. But I had brought a bike out there with me so people could see what it was. Everyone was really supportive. We had no idea that people would be this generous. We really appreciated it."
In the half-triathlon, Tiller said he thought the swimming was going to be the most difficult part. "Boy was I wrong," he said. "Immediately after I started the biking, the chain broke. ... It got fixed, but it cost me 12 minutes."
Tiller, who completed the course in seven hours, 21 minutes - just short of his seven minute goal - said he "was in more pain at the end of this event then after anything I've ever done."
"But there's no comparing my pain and what these kids have to go through," he added.
Contributions are still being accepted as the trikes will continue to be built. Nine previous trikes, which had been ordered prior to this event, will be presented during a Nov. 29 luncheon at Elks Lodge #2284, located at 7201 Congress St. in New Port Richey. The luncheon is scheduled for noon, and tickets for the light lunch can be purchased for $3.
Anyone wishing to donate money can contact Commandant Charles Salvaggio of the local Marine Corps League chapter at (727) 869-3591.
For more information, call (727) 834-9700 or visit FullCircleFinancial.net.
What's going on at your golf course? Contact Mike Tompkins at 813 431-4812 or email MTompkins61@yahoo.com