My friends,

I need your help.

I am raising funds for my Special Olympics East Valley Golf program. We have 35 Special Olympics golfers that have a passion for playing golf. Each athlete plays on a team, typically with a parent or good friend, year round at many challenging courses in Arizona. This year we will be playing at Sun City CC, Omni National in Tucson, Antelope Hills in Prescott, Longbow in Mesa, Oak Creek CC in Sedona, Augusta Ranch in Mesa, and TPC Scottsdale.  All of the funds raised will go to support this special year round golf program. These funds also enable us to participate in the Special Olympics National Invitational Golf Tournament if we are lucky enough to be selected. The National Tournament is 3 days and, like the PGA, we cannot use golf carts. So it can be very challenging.

I am 34 years old and really enjoy playing sports. My Mom and I moved here from Missouri 1 1/2 years ago and was fortunate enough to get involved with the East Vally golf and baseball programs for Special Olympics even though we live in the West valley. I began liking golf when I was 3 years old. While playing in Missouri, our "season" was for 6 weeks only so it is nice to be able to play a lot more here in Arizona. I worked in a sheltered workshop for 12 years in Missouri and now attend One Step Beyond where I am in the vocational program 3 days a week.

How can you help?

The Thunderbirds have given us a great opportunity to raise funds by matching all donations by an additional 10%. One hundred percent of the funds stay in our Special Olympics golf program and enable us to continue to play golf and improve our game. Your help comes from sponsoring me with a one time donation, or  a Pledge per Birdie for the 4 days of the Tournament.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Matthew