(DALLAS – May 6, 2008) – Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) former patient and founder of KidSwing golf tournament benefiting TSRHC, Ben Sater, age 16 of Plano, has set a goal of raising a total of $1 million before he goes to college. The all-kids golf tournament—a nine-hole, best-ball scramble for players ages 7 to 18—has raised approximately $500,000 for the hospital since 2003. TSRHC 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. Events like KidSwing allow TSRHC to treat Texas children at no charge to patient families. 
 
Organizers expect a record number of participants this year, with 500 children expected to play in the sixth annual tournament. Those who enter are encouraged to raise $100 for the hospital by asking family and friends to sponsor them. Last year, most participants brought in much more than the requested amount.

Last year, TSRHC patient Claire Straty, age 16 of Highland Park, raised nearly $30,000 for the hospital. Using her parent’s Christmas card list, Claire solicited the help of family and friends to support her in her philanthropic endeavors. This type of call to action on behalf of the young participants is exactly what Ben had in mind years ago when the idea of KidSwing was developed.
 
“I love the hospital and am so proud that KidSwing can help other kids like me,” said Ben. “My goal of raising $1 million is something that my family I and are really committed to doing.”

KidSwing, the first event of its kind organized by a TSRHC patient, is different from other charity golf tournaments because only children are eligible to play. For more than eight years, Ben received treatments, including two surgeries and physical therapy, at TSRHC for a condition called trigger finger. When Ben’s mother, Kim, told him that the hospital does not charge patient families for medical care, he decided to use his love for golf to express his gratitude to the hospital. Last year, more than 330 young golfers raised $182,000 for the hospital.

The tournament is designed for golfers of all levels of ability to have an opportunity to experience the joy of giving back and “playing golf for kids.” The sixth annual KidSwing Golf Tournament will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 16, at Brookhaven Country Club, 3333 Golfing Green Drive in Dallas. There will be two shotgun starts, a morning start at 9 a.m. and an afternoon start at 2 p.m.

So that all of the funds raised by the participants will go directly to the hospital, corporate sponsors are needed to help cover the tournament expenses. The help of individuals and companies is needed, since more participants are expected to enter the tournament this year. KidSwing sponsorships are available with benefits including publicity, Web site listing and logo listing in media materials and on event signage.

For information about becoming a KidSwing sponsor or playing in the 2008 KidSwing charity golf tournament, please visit www.KidSwing.org or e-mail KidSwing@tsrh.org.

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 best-ball scramble for players ages 7 to 18. To date, KidSwing has donated nearly $500,000 to TSRHC. Funds raised through the 2008 tournament will benefit the hospital. For information about becoming a KidSwing sponsor or playing in the 2008 KidSwing charity golf tournament, please visit www.KidSwing.org.

2008 KidSwing Event Chair: Bursley Hoefer
2008 KidSwing Honorary Chairs: Jere and Carolyn Thompson

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 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.