Southern gentlemen of the Zeta Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order are hosting the first Kappa Alpha Order Golf Tournament for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Nov. 8.
The shotgun start (each group starting on a different hole) will begin at 8 a.m. at the San Carlos Country Club. All funds raised from the golf tournament and all donations made will go directly to MDA.
Nationally, KA has been raising funds for MDA since 1975 and has raised more than $2.7 million in the past 39 years through Muscle Walks, golf tournaments and many other events. The Zeta Pi chapter raised about $10,000 last year, which helped the chapter receive the Samuel Zenas Ammen Award, a prestigious award that is given only to the top 15 percent of KA chapters in the country for excellence. The local chapter has already raised $3,000 from hole sponsorships alone, but is looking to generate more than $12,000 by the end of the year.
“We really cannot thank everyone enough for helping us with this tournament,” said Zachary Richards, senior and president of the Zeta Pi chapter. “From hole sponsors, to participants, and to everyone coming out (on Nov. 8) to spread the word about MDA, we as a chapter are really so appreciative.”
MDA is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neuromuscular diseases, according to the MDA website. MDA provides comprehensive health care services and supports families who are affected by MD worldwide. Along with funding around the globe, MDA rallies communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.
Many KA brothers at FGCU have attended MDA summer camps where they directly work with children who have MD. By attending the camp, the brothers get a firsthand look at what their philanthropy really stands for. The money raised at the camps goes toward doctor visits, therapy, research, events for the MDA and for other costs that families affected by MD face every day.
Bradley Williams, secretary for KA, was a camp counselor at a MDA summer camp this past summer.
“It changed my life,” Williams said. “The camp was only five days long, but I was able to learn so much more about muscular dystrophy. Being able to work with the kids is what will really stick with me for the rest of my life.”
“We as a chapter are looking forward to this milestone tournament. This will be a great way to not only raise funds for MDA, but to also raise awareness,” said Matthew Pecko, junior and former Philanthropy Chair, “We cannot wait to see this golf tournament grow larger and larger every year.”
For more information, call Williams, the recording secretary No. 3 for the Kappa Alpha Order Zeta Pi Chapter, at (863) 514-7973. To learn more about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit www.mda.org