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How
We Began
In 1994, a firefighter I worked with suddenly fell into a
coma as the result of a brain aneurysm. She was eight months
pregnant, and with the grace of God guiding the hands, the
doctors performed a miracle delivery of her baby boy. Her
life was spared as well. Unfortunately, as with any sudden
illness or life threatening situation, the medical bills soon
overwhelmed her and her family.
Utilizing
my background in both sports and business, I began to organize
a large scale softball tournament which hosted over 60 teams
from all over the State of Florida and as far north as New
Jersey. In addition, donations solicited by the Chicago Fire
Department contributed to the substantial amount of money
raised. Needless to say, the tournament was a huge success
as our efforts generated over $20,000 to assist this firefighter
with her medical bills.
Another
opportunity presented itself in 1998, when I worked on behalf
of the Broward Children's Center to organize a boxing tournament
benefiting their underprivileged and handicapped children.
The tournament hosted boxing matches between local firefighters
and police officers, and provided a night of fun and entertainment,
generating $6200 in proceeds. The money raised enabled the
children of the Broward Medical Center to travel to one of
the local Florida tourist attractions.
Between
1996 and 2000, I was actively involved in the lives of children
through the Special Olympics and Big Brothers/ Big Sisters
organizations. It was at that time I became aware of the number
of children in our society that grow up without a mother or
father to assist them through life's trials.
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