Press Room

For media/press inquiries, please contact:
Becky Britt/Melinda Wenk
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
(214) 559-8476/(214) 559-8395
becky.britt@tsrh.org
melinda.wenk@tsrh.org  

North Texas Community Rallies to Help Kids Reach $1 Million Milestone in Fundraising Historic year for KidSwing golf tournaments benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

(DALLAS – March 12, 2010) – Volunteers in the North Texas community are gearing up for the 8th Annual KidSwing golf tournament benefiting the patients of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC). Many dedicated individuals have helped Plano teen and recognized philanthropist, Ben Sater’s, dream become a reality. Ben founded KidSwing, an all-kids golf tournament, as a way to give back to TSRHC after realizing his family did not have to pay for services. With the $1 million mark in sight this year, KidSwing has truly become a community effort. Everyone from tournament organizers, to the young golfers, to the hundreds of volunteers who are essential to the execution of the tournament are a key part of this embodiment of the purest form of charity – kids helping kids. 

Due to the overwhelming success of the original tournament in Dallas, a second tournament was added in McKinney, Texas, in 2008. Registration for the Dallas tournament is now open, with the tournament scheduled for Monday, June 14. Bursley Hoefer of Dallas will serve as chairperson. Registration for KidSwing-McKinney opens Thursday, April 1, with the tournament scheduled for Monday, July 19. Dr. John Wise of McKinney will serve as chairperson. This is a benchmark year for both KidSwing golf tournaments, which combined have raised more than $802,000 for the hospital.

Under the leadership of executive committee chairman, Rich Beckert, the 2010 tournaments will be a time to honor the history and legacy of KidSwing. For this reason, and in appreciation of the hospital’s hand center, proceeds from this year’s tournaments will benefit TSRHC’s Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center, through which Ben received two hand surgeries and physical therapy. Additionally, this will be a full-circle year for Ben and his mother, Kim, as they serve as the honorary chairs of KidSwing.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be this close to the $1 million mark before I went to college,” said KidSwing founder and former TSRHC patient Ben Sater age 18. “It is so cool to think that something my family and I started means so much to so many people. The tournament has not only impacted patients lives, but the participants and volunteers as well. KidSwing is a great opportunity for families to have fun and be involved in philanthropy together.”

KidSwing is designed for children, ages 7 to 18, of all levels of golf ability to experience the joy of giving back to an organization that has served so many in this state. There is no entry fee, but those who enter are encouraged to raise $100 by asking family and friends to sponsor them. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.

The 8th annual KidSwing-Dallas golf tournament will begin at 8 a.m. at Brookhaven Country Club, 3333 Golfing Green Drive in Dallas. There will be shotgun starts at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 3rd annual KidSwing-McKinney golf tournament will begin at 8 a.m. at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, 7003 Beacon Hill Road in McKinney, Texas. The shotgun start will be at 9 a.m. Please visit www.KidSwing.org, e-mail KidSwing@tsrh.org or call (214) 559-7656 for registration information.

ABOUT KIDSWING
The KidSwing golf tournament was founded in 2003 by former Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) patient Ben Sater and his mother, Kim. KidSwing is a nine-hole, best-ball scramble for players ages 7 to 18. A KidSwing tournament in McKinney, Texas, was added in 2008. To date, KidSwing tournaments have raised more than $802,000 for TSRHC. For information about becoming a KidSwing sponsor or playing in the 2010 KidSwing golf tournament, please visit www.KidSwing.org.

ABOUT TSRHC
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation's leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth up to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call
(214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org.

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