TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Teeing It Up For Hospice

ADVERTISEMENT

By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 28, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - Jim Rinaldo of Dade City led the winning team in last year's Gulfside Regional Hospice Golf Classic. And he had a very personal reason for participating in this annual fundraiser, which takes place this year on April 18 at the Groves Golf and Country Club in Land O' Lakes.

Rinaldo's mother, Rae Rinaldo, was once a patient of Gulfside Regional Hospice; he credits the agency with providing his mother with quality end-of-life care.

"My family was fortunate enough to have hospice involved in the last few weeks of her life," he said. "They made us all so comfortable. That's a type of caring you don't see very often."

Last year's golf classic raised more than $15,000 for Gulfside Regional Hospice.

"Our objective once again this year is to raise money to support our charity care program," said Lisa Bricker, vice president of development at Gulfside Regional Hospice. "This ensures that everyone can use our services regardless of their ability to pay."

The financial support from the golf classic is needed now more than ever, Bricker said.

"During these difficult times, it's very important that those who supported us in the past continue to do so," she said.

The tournament is held in a scramble format, with prizes awarded to the foursomes who place first, second, third and last by gross scores. The admission price includes a morning snack, lunch and a goody bag for all golfers. The tournament also includes skill contests, a silent auction featuring prizes of golf foursomes at area courses, plus a $10,000 hole-in-one prize.

Aside from the opportunity to play golf and support the hospice, Bricker said the golf classic is, for many participants, a chance to reflect about and to honor those loved ones who received hospice care.

"The purpose of the golf classic is not just to raise funds but to raise awareness," she said. "Many participants have had family members in hospice care, and this is a time to reflect on their memory."
GULFSIDE REGIONAL HOSPICE GOLF CLASSIC
THE BASICS: April 18, Gulfside Regional Hospice will host its annual Golf Classic at the Groves Golf and Country Club, 7937 Shaddock Place, Land O' Lakes.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: All proceeds from the Golf Classic, according to a news release, "benefit Gulfside Regional Hospice to help Pasco County patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

A LITTLE HISTORY: Last year the golf classic, now in its 15th year, generated more than $15,000 for Gulfside Regional Hospice.

WHAT'S NEXT?: Registration for this year's golf classic will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Participation is $75 for individual golfers and $300 per foursome, and includes a morning snack, lunch and a goody bag for all golfers.

GET INVOLVED: Sponsorship opportunities are available for the golf classic. For information or to register for the Golf Classic, call Jennifer Kirkland at (727) 845-5707. Space is limited.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT