The Third Annual “Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic” at Wildfire Golf Course |
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Three years ago, a Scottsdale kid with a big idea found a way to help other children his age cope with illness and anxieties that come with hospital treatments or surgeries. Now 14, Michael Young, a freshman at Phoenix Country Day, is really making a difference. On May 8, 2008 Young hosts the Third Annual “Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic” at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort Wildfire Golf Club’s Arnold-Palmer-designed championship course in Phoenix. The event will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital Animal Assisted Therapy Program. The golf classic includes a continental breakfast and a lunch reception with a live and silent auction. The cost is $275 per person and also includes on-course contests. Early bird registration concludes Monday, April 14. 
The tournament director, Young organized the first two tournaments, raising $30,000 in 2006 and $52,000 in 2007. “The program helps children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) cope with the stress of having treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and long hospital stays,” he said. “These nationally certified animals also have a therapeutic role in the recovery process.” Curt Hudek, executive director of the Southwest Section PGA, said his organization has agreed to endorse the tournament. Several sponsors, including Petsmart, the title sponsor, are involved. Young said the therapy program is completely funded by private donations and money from fundraisers like the Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic. “My goal is to exceed the $52,000 (we) raised last year,” Young said, “and to fund and expand this program for 2008-2009.”
Jacky Young, Michael’s mother, said her son wanted a
fundraiser he could get excited about. “He’s a golfer who has played in a lot of
charity golf events,” Young said. “He wanted to do something for kids in the
community and he loves animals.” 
“I have personally known many kids that have had some type of treatment at PCH, and whose lives have been touched by these animals,” Michael said. “I am very grateful to the hospital for helping so many children and their families. I am also an animal lover and know what an impact they can have on your life.” Phillip Francis, CEO of Petsmart, is impressed with Young’s initiative. “I always get a kick out of young people who “get” public service and paying their civic rent,” Francis said. “Michael “gets it” and has chosen a program and recipient, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, with great credentials.” Tiffanie Hawkins, who coordinates special events for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, relishes these types of relationships. “We are excited to embrace this opportunity offered by this partnership to communicate the critical issues of quality pediatric health care to the people of Arizona, while raising significant funds for the state’s only free-standing children’s hospital,” Hawkins said.
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