This story was originally published by Around Town News on January 17 – 30, 2022
Full Issue: https://online.fliphtml5.com/sner/hplr/#p=24
Walking With Anthony, (WWA), a non-profit organization with the mission to change the recovery outcome of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), teamed up with NFL alumni and legendary sports figures to host the Eighth Annual Charity Celebrity Golf Tournament that took place recently at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale. The event raised more than $450.000 for spinal cord injury victims. Since its inception, WWA has raised more than $4.4M for beneficiaries offering financial grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The recent fundraiser honored State Representative Chip LaMarca for his support of the spinal cord injury community and his work with the Broward Children’s Center. A surprise donation was also made to Deontae Shuler, a 19-year-old high school senior who suffered a spinal cord injury when he was nine years old
The day of golf featured more than 200 attendees teamed up with NFL Alumni, legendary sports VIPs, athletes and local celebrities including Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), WWE’s Mojo Muhtadi, former NFL players Chris Spencer, Anthony Fasano, Danny Kanell and Mike Caussin.
“We created a movement to raise awareness of the impact of spinal cord injuries for families who suffer a tragic accident like we did and have little help in navigating how to overcome such a life changing event”, said Micki Purcell, Walking With Anthony’s founder.
All golfers participated in the Hole-in-One Competition, Longest Drive, and Closest to the Pin. Immediately following the day of golf, a cocktail reception and formal dinner program took place where several spinal cord injury victims shared their inspiring stories and how WWA helped support them.
Jeniffer Midgett, Troy Ganter and Micki Purcell
“We are so thankful for all the sponsors who came to support us at this event. Without them it wouldn’t be possible to help so many and we look forward to hosting this event again next year,” said Anthony Purcell, Executive Director for Walking with Anthony “The funds we raise provide the critically needed financial assistance for victims of spinal cord injuries and goes toward physical therapy, medical equipment or any other financial assistance needed for rehabilitation WWA was inspired by Anthony Purcell, a young man who became paralyzed during a tragic accident in 2010. Through determination and many years of physical therapy, Anthony can now stand with the help of a walker, runs a successful business, and drives a car. WWA is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of spinal cord injuries, raising funds to provide financial assistance for victims, expanding rehabilitation centers, and supporting research relating to spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Sponsors of the Celebrity Golf Tournament and Dinner included: Tito’s Vodka, JP Morgan Chase, Round Table Financial, Jetblue, Accardi Automotive, Papa’s Raw Bar, Eat Drink Be Local, Florida Luxurious Properties, Patterson Project Management, Ed Morse Automotive, Nolan Brands, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Florida Coast Equipment, Kovak Family Charitable Foundation, and Lighthouse Point Yacht Club.
For more information, visit www.walkingwithanthony.org.
Walking With Anthony was founded by spinal cord injury (SCI) victim Anthony Purcell and his mother, Micki Purcell. WWA is a non-profit organization with the mission to forever change the recovery outcome of Spinal Cord Injury, currently perceived as unchangeable. The organization is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of SCI, raising funds to provide financial assistance for SCI victims, expand rehabilitation centers and supporting research relating to SCI rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.walkingwithanthony.org.
