photo by flickr users Jeffrey and Rachel Vanneste
Tee Off Fore a Cause gives wounded service men and women the chance to enjoy the game of golf as a part of therapy.
Tee Off Fore A Cause, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charity based out of Myrtle Beach, S.C. It was started by Fred Kane in late 2008 after his son’s driver, Pvt. Jack Sweet, a 19 year-old infantry soldier , was killed in Iraq by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED). Since then, his mission has been to aid and support the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit with the vision, "To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history."
Every year, Tee Off Fore a Cause holds a golf tournament to raise money and awareness. Since 2009, they have raised more than $32,000, thanks to local and regional sponsors. Their 4th Annual Tee Off Fore A Cause golf tournament will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach. Additional tournaments in Mt. Pleasant and Kansas City are due to take place this September, as well. Their goal this year is to get more warriors to come out and play.
In addition to Tee Off Fore A Cause, Fred Kane also has Clubs Fore Heroes Project which, in association with Joe Caley of the Wounded Warrior Project, collects used golf clubs, balls, and equipment and gives them to wounded warriors. The clubs are distributed to soldiers undergoing rehabilitation at Ft. Gordon, Ft. Benning, and Ft. Bragg. Have a look at WBTW News 13’s coverage of this project
In recognition for all of his hard work and dedication, Fred Kane has been nominated and is a semi-finalist for the Carry Forward Award, sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project. The winners are announced and their stories will be highlighted at an award show and fundraising event in California on October 21, 2012. For more information about the Carry Forward Award or how to vote for Fred Kane, go to their website.
Tee Off Fore A Cause, Clubs Fore Heroes Project, and The Wounded Warrior Project are always in need of sponsors, donors, players, and equipment. Contributions are greatly appreciated. Together with Tee Off Fore A Cause and The Wounded Warrior Project we can all make a difference in the lives of our wounded heroes.
For more information about Tee Off Fore a Cause, visit their site or connect with them on Facebook page.
Editor's note: This article was produced by an Horry-Georgetown Technical College student enrolled in the ENG 155 class, led by Dean Blumberg, in partnership with TheDigitel Myrtle Beach to bring awareness to area non-profits while providing hands-on experience.