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To
provide financial and other support to institutions or charities
that offer rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and
vocational opportunities for physically or mentally challenged
individuals (primarily those who live in the Northeast Florida
area), and to conduct fund raising activities for that purpose. |
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Foundation
News
The 17th annual Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament for Charity was once again a weekend filled with anticipated excitement from our wonderful sponsors, a wide range of celebrities, very gracious donors, tireless volunteers, and the very best group of golfers and sports fans who supported this year's event. Great weather went hand in hand this year with the genuine excitement of playing on the beautiful Stadium course at the Players' Championship. As always, the funds raised at this stellar gathering are used to provide financial assistance as well as other areas of support to the institutions or charities that offer rehabilitative, educational, recreational, and vocational opportunities for physically or mentally challenged individuals, primarily those who live in the Northeast Florida area. Extra special thanks are extended to this year's main tournament sponsors. The wonderful assistance and financial support of R. B. Baker Construction Company, CADDIEMASTER, Inc., CSX Transportation, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Simpson, Tire Kingdom, and the Wilkins Academy of Baseball is so very deeply appreciated. Their exemplary support is vital to the success of our tournament, as well as our ongoing activities. The camaraderie and entertainment at Friday night's Pairing Party produced some of the most entertaining moments any fan of music can imagine. The foot stomping was non-stop with Dillon Dixon, James Dean Hicks, David Vincent Williams, Billy Austin, and Cindy Bullens magically transforming the stage into a night of musical adventures, with a mega display of their abilities to play any style of music. It truly was electric, yet still very family oriented. A truly sweet combination for all who attended. General Kevin Byrnes began Saturday night's festivities by reminding us all of our soldiers' valued commitments and sacrifices over the years, many of whom return home as adults with disabilities. Combining the many talents and wit of Dillon Dixon and Tom Paciorek as our evening's emcees, the banquet audience never lacked for entertainment! That very lively live auction followed a wonderfully successful silent auction. Many fine folks worked long, tireless hours to make sure all went smoothly. From the dedicated efforts of Rick and Ray and the Foundation Board, a multi-purpose room facility on the campus of the University of North Florida has been built. This complex is used as a training and research laboratory in the College's physical therapy program, office and administrative space for the physical therapy program, and a site for some of the on-campus leisure and recreational activities planned throughout the year. Over 2,000 individuals benefit annually from these activities. The broad variety of assistance that is provided as a result of the Rick Wilkins Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament makes us keenly aware every year of what we can accomplish. Our commitment is strong and the rewards even stronger. We send our deepest appreciation to all who participated in this grand event. Start now planning for 2010!
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