What an act of kindness. Shelby Twigger, who was born with Down’s syndrome, scored a goal at the end of a Nixa youth soccer game a few years ago after opposing players cleared the way.
“My wife and I couldn’t believe it. It touched us deeply. It was very moving,” said her dad, Doug. “But at the same time, it made me think, ‘Those kids held back, and they shouldn’t have to do that.”
With that in mind, the family turned to A Sporting Chance, which provides amateur sports training, competition and recreational programs to any person with any disability – such as youth who are disadvantaged, abused and neglected; as well as at-risk teenagers and senior citizens.
Which is why the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to support A Sporting Chance again this year. The PGA’s Web.com Tour stop, set for August 5-15 in Springfield, has gifted almost $14 million to local children’s charities in its 27-year history.
About A Sporting Chance
Put it this way: Dick Jones does not take a salary, despite being the founder of A Sporting Chance. Instead, he lives off his retirement from the state Department of Mental Health and Social Security. And he has only one part-time assistant in Georgia Houser.
Yet he still has a bounce in his step all these years later when he leaves the house every morning.
“You have to have,” Jones said. “We do everything we can to save a buck. That’s really why we’re glad to be part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship. We generally receive $25,000 toward our $250,000 annual budget.”
Jones has been a lifelong sports fan and has long hoped to give everybody – regardless of ability – a chance to play sports.
For 24 years, he served as the southwest Missouri director of the Missouri Special Olympics. Because he didn’t want to interfere with the good work of the Special Olympics, Jones dedicated A Sporting Chance to folks living will any kind of disability – including those with behavioral disorders.
These days, A Sporting Chance services 26 counties and 2,300 people annually, and he keeps it going strong. For instance, Jones will umpire softball games just to save on costs.
In turn, A Sporting Chance’s board members along with Jones will help park cars during the PCCC. The non-profit uses the tournament’s donations to cover a portion of costs for competitors’ entry fees. That’s by design.
“They need to know that nothing is free,” Jones said. “If you’re going to send them on in life, it’s important to teach life skills.”
A Sporting Chance has been a huge benefit to the Twigger family of Nixa. Doug and his bride, Sue, are parents to Jamel, now in the Marines Corps; Amber, now in the ministry in Little Rock, Ark; Trevor, a student at Evangel University; and Shelby, who turns 16 in October.
“It’s just nice to have a place where we can go where our daughter can play, regardless if you have a disability or ability,” said Doug, who now serves on the board for A Sporting Chance. “Now, 12 months out of the year, there’s not a night that goes by that we aren’t supporting a child with a disability. And for the Price Cutter to have events where children’s charities can benefit, it’s amazing.”
To support Shelby and many of the other kids who compete in A Sporting Chance, here’s a rundown:
UNITED WE STAND FOR KIDS
HELP A SPORTING CHANCE
If you would like your child to participate in any of the many programs offered by A Sporting Chance, call 417-874-1958 or email sportingchance@sbcglobal.net.
CORPORATE SKYBOXES on the 9th and 18th greens, and tents on the 18th fairway
These include covered seating and all-inclusive badges into the Jackson Brothers of the South VIP Tent (food and beverages).
PRO-AMS: Play with a pro & enjoy top courses such as Highland Springs, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, LedgeStone Country Club, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club & Fremont Hills Country Club. Includes a great golfer gift package, continental breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, team photos & trophies. Check out our list of golf experiences
ON-COURSE SPONSORSHIPS
Bleachers, water coolers and much more can help generate interest in your business, and will go a long way toward helping kids in the Ozarks. See our full menu of options.
HONORING OUR HEROES PROGRAM
A great way to support military, law enforcement and first responders as well Ozarks children’s charities — as they receive free admission as well as food and drinks thanks to your sponsorships. Follow this link
$25 TLC PROPERTIES SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS
They are only $25 each, and gives the ticket-buyer a chance to win a 2017 Ford F-150, or $10,000, plus daily prizes during the tournament. Check out the details here.
GOLF BALL & CHARITY AUCTION
Sponsored by Copy Products Inc. and University Plaza, this event is on Tuesday, August 8 at University Plaza Convention Center. We’ll also have electronic bidding at bidpal.net! Register at this link.
THE ULTIMATE presented by Custom Metalcraft & Ridewell Suspensions
Win a 2017 Corvette Stingray, as a $1,200 buy-in guarantees a 1-in-100 chance of winning the car and a 1-in-10 chance of winning $1,000. You’ll also receive many other perks, including air-conditioned seating on the 18th green during the PCCC along with clubhouse parking, a luxurious dinner on Friday, August 4 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse daily during the PCCC, plus his and her shirts.
FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP, CALL 417-887-3400