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 a 28 year old who loves sports. I enjoy going to football, baseball, hockey and basketball games be it professional, college or high school. I started in Special Olympics in Lubbock Texas at the age of 8 playing Challenger Baseball. Middle School and High School is where I really got involved in bowling, basketball and track & field. At 12 I started playing golf. In 2009 I had the privilege of hitting on the First Tee at the Big 12 Women's Golf Championship, hosted by Texas Tech University. Since moving to Mesa, I have been very active in year round bowling & golf, seasonal track, swimming and floor hockey. Special Olympic's Arizona has been a huge part of my life. As a member of the East Valley Golf League, I have enjoyed the sportsmanship, but more importantly, the fellowship and making new friends.

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.

Aaron