Golf Tournament Raises Money for Autism
8/5/2009
Shown left to right - Senator Johnny Ray Turner, Travis Haycook, Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, Dr. Shelli Deskins, Program Director of the Highlands Center Of Autism, Speaker Greg Stumbo, and the reigning Miss Kentucky pose for a picture at the Speak Out Fore! Autism Golf Tournament.
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On Friday, July 31st, Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo hosted a golf tournament, at the Stone Crest Golf Course, to raise money for the Highlands Center for Autism. Over $50,000 dollars was raised through the tournament. The event added to the confidence in the Center, which opened for the first time earlier in the week, and demonstrated the vast amount of attention and support it has garnered. Cases of Autism have been growing rapidly over the past several years; current statistics indicating that about 1 in every 150 children born will be diagnosed with the condition.
Despite inclement weather on Friday morning, teams from all over the state showed up to play and support the cause. The tournament also held a silent auction. It featured items such as a University of Kentucky basketball and football signed by coaches Calipari and Brooks, respectively. There was even the opportunity to bid on the chance to have your son or daughter participate as a ball boy or girl at home UK Basketball game this upcoming season.
The auction and raffle items contributed a great amount to the funds raised, but most came through generosity of the participants and the community sponsors of the tournament. Highlands Health System is thankful to everyone who came together in support of the new Center for Autism and to promote awareness of the cause.