St. Petersbug, FL (June 19, 2022) The local Sickle Cell Disease Association (SCDA) of St. Petersburg, Florida joined the National Campaign to raise Sickle Cell awareness in the surrounding community and around the world. Their goal is to build support networks through engagement and collaborations to advocate for access to equal health care services for sickle cell clients. This year commemorates the 50th Year Anniversary of the local St. Petersburg Chapter whose President/Founder is Mary Murph.
On June 22, a Big Brother-Little Brother, Big Sister- Lil Sis Golfing Tournament was held at the St. Petersburg Twin Brooks, a par 3, 9-hole golf course. The golf event was sponsored by the St. Petersburg Golf Club and The Men of Yesterday, Today, and The Future, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and support services to public schools and community groups.
Mary Murph, SCDA President
The outing garnered 20 two-person teams (adult/child 40 participants). The First Tee Program of St. Petersburg provided the host organizations with some enthusiastic kid participants who were paired with adult golfers. One notable golf participant was Rufus “Jabbo” Lewis who is enshrined in the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, West Palm Beach, Fla.
The format for the golf tournament was best ball with the stipulation that the child team member had to make the first putt attempt on every green. The winning score was a 26 with 3 teams tied at 27. Trophies were presented to the top 3 teams and every child participant received a golf medallion. The event raised slightly over $3,000 for the host organization’s sickle cell clients and families. So many positive responses to this golf event were received and plans for next year are in the works.
For more information on the Men of Yesterday, Today and Future visit MOYTF.org. For more information on The Sickle Cell Association of St. Petersburg visit sicklecellstpete.org.
