For Kris Presley, raising a son with special needs has not been easy. Chance, now 16, was not supposed to live past age 5. Medically fragile, she called him.
And yet life is grand these days, thanks in part to Music Therapy of the Ozarks, a new charity this year to the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
You see, Chance for years was 100 percent non-verbal. And yet …
“Sitting on the couch one night, he said, ‘I love you, Momma,’” Presley said. “To have your 16-year-old say that is incredible. I broke down in tears. He loves music and I think music therapy has opened up his world.”
The PCCC is proud to have the charity, Music Therapy of the Ozarks, on board for the first time. The tournament, part of the PGA’s Web.com Tour, has gifted almost $14 million to Ozarks children’s charities in the past 27 years, including more than $900,000 last year alone. And your support could go a long way.
About Music Therapy of the Ozarks
Music Therapy of the Ozarks was founded in 2014 by Julie Cassity. She is the owner and clinical director of the Center for Music Therapy and Wellness at Drury University. In working in this position, she saw a need to provide financial assistance for individuals in the community to access music therapy services, including children with developmental disabilities and autism. “It has become very apparent to me in running our music clinic that people couldn’t afford our services because they are not covered by insurance,” Cassity said. “For most families, when they are dealing with children with special needs, they are often strapped. financially”
For Presley’s son, Chance, Music Therapy of the Ozarks has been a real difference-maker. Music therapy is successful in developing motor skills, cognitive skills, social skills, improving behavior, increasing attention span, and improving affect. These are just a few of the many benefits of music therapy.
“It has completely changed his life,” Presley said. “Four years ago, he didn’t have any concentration. He couldn’t complete tasks. He probably could for about 30 seconds.”
It’s been a huge breakthrough for Presley, whose son, she was told, “probably wasn’t going to live to be 5.”
“Now he can complete a project that can take 15-20 minutes,” Presley said. “He can now read notes and play simple songs on a piano.”
Here’s how to help:
SUPPORT MUSIC THERAPY OF THE OZARKS: To support the charity in any way, call Julie Cassity at 417-861-7345 or visit www.musictherapyoftheozarks.org.
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