Students Raise Funds for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Gracie Meek, Sami Hess, and Adriana Asbill raise support in tournament for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
TSRHC is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders, and learning disorders. Since its inception in 1921, TSRHC has provided care for more than 200,000 children, and no patient family has ever been charged for services. The hospital operates solely on voluntary gifts from generous individuals, corporations and foundations.
KidSwing is a unique way for kids to help kids by raising money and soliciting sponsors to benefit the hospital’s mission of treating all children for free.
KidSwing began as a dream in the mind of a young patient, Ben Sater, who received treatment, including surgery, for a condition called trigger finger at TSRHC. Although the only visual reminders of his treatment are four tiny scars on the inside of his hands, Ben’s experience at TSRHC made a permanent impression on his life. When Ben’s mother told him that TSRHC does not charge patient families for medical care, he decided to use his love for golf to express his gratitude to the hospital by organizing KidSwing, the first children’s golf tournament organized by a patient to benefit TSRHC.
The first tournament in 2003 had 78 players. Today, KidSwing has grown into an annual event with more than 400 players. Due to its tremendous success, KidSwing expanded to include a second tournament in McKinney in 2008, and this year a third tournament was added in Trophy Club. Although the tournament has evolved throughout the years, its mission remains steadfast – kids helping kids.
KidSwing was featured in TIME magazine, on CNN’s “Mission Possible” and NBC’s “Today Show,” and in several newspapers throughout the state and nationally, including USA Today.
The combined fundraising efforts from all tournaments have raised more than $1,018,000 for TSRHC.
Even greater has been the joy that the KidSwing players and their families feel as they learn about the exceptional care TSRHC provides children in Texas and how rewarding it is to know that all of the funds raised by KidSwing players directly benefit the hospital.