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 Whirlwind in Chandler. 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 have been enjoying the game of golf for the past 15 years, and especially enjoy playing with my partner and mentor Mark Ostrand. We have shared many good shots, great games, and lots of laughs together on the links. I am an all around athlete, and participate in a variety of other sports in Special Olympics including baseball, swimming, basketball, bowling, and soccer. I enjoy watching and supporting various sports teams such as the ASU Sun Devils and Arizona Cardinals . I have an easy going disposition and always try to bring a smile and team spirit to everything that I do. I love to spend my summers with my extended family on a farm in Missouri , attend church, take cooking classes, and learn new dance moves in my Zumba class. My hero is John Wayne, and I like everything from western paintings to country music. I am looking forward to another year of playing golf with my friends, traveling to different golf destinations , and enjoying the camaraderie of those family and friends who support me.

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.

Justin