Staff Report
While the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, now known to the community as Queena, works tirelessly in multiple therapy sessions to regain the life she once knew, area golfers are gathering to organize a golf tournament to help raise money for her care and a new wheelchair-accessible van.
Traveling from one therapy appointment to another requires a specially-equipped van that can accommodate Queena. The Rough Riders, a Tampa organization known for its local service projects, gave the family their existing van five years ago. It is not running well and family and friends are scrambling to raise money for the new one, which is expected to cost about $45,000. Queena’s Golf Scramble will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the River Hills Country Club, located at 3943 New River Hills Pkwy. in Valrico. Lunch and registration begin at 11 a.m. followed by a shotgun tournament start at 12:30 p.m. Foursome entry fees are $400; individual fees $100; and spectator/dinner only fees are $30. Prizes will be presented to first, second and third place teams and fees include course games and awards dinner. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction during the dinner that follows the tournament.
After learning about Queena’s ongoing medical and therapy needs, Food and Beverage Manager, Shane Turi, brought the story and idea to Head Golf Professional, Joe Glass. This got the ball rolling with the rest of the team at the River Hills Country Club to step forward and organize the fundraising event for Queena.
“Queena’s story has impacted our entire community for over five years now and the River Hills team is honored to host this day of golf and dinner for her,” explained Turi. “She has many ongoing medical needs and is in need of purchasing a new van to get to her appointments, so every little bit helps. We hope that our local golf community can lend their support at this fun event.” In addition to golfers, tournament sponsorships are available from $100 to $300. Prize donations are also being accepted for the raffle, silent auction and giveaways.
For information about the golf tournament or to register, contact Joe Glass at 653-1554 or joe glass239@gmail.com.
The community can follow Queena’s progress on her Website JoinQueena.com, which documents Queena’s journey to regaining her life through therapy, faith and love, as well as a glimpse to her daily life. Medicaid covers only $1,500 per year for her physical therapy and speech therapy, while nearly $70,000 is required annually for all of the treatments that have helped Queena make such progress. These additional expenses are funded through the generosity of the community. Donations can also be made payable to the Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim Trust at any Bank of Tampa or SunTrust Bank.
