On behalf of the Executive Committee for this year’s tournament, I’d like to invite you to join other community leaders in the effort to raise funds to support transplant recipients, their families and to increase awareness about the importance of organ donation. Right now across the country there are over 108,000 people whose lives hang in the balance as they wait for a life saving organ. Every 15 minutes another name is added to the list, while 17 die. St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Heart Institute in partnership with the Heart Exchange – a support group of transplant recipients and their families invite you to participate in this upcoming event. We are delighted that two world-renowned cardiovascular surgeons, Dr. Denton A. Cooley and Dr. O. H. Frazier, will serve as Honorary Chairmen. Over the last twenty years $1,812,000 has been raised to help fund the efforts of the Heart Exchange Support Group Inc., a 501©(3) non-profit organization. In 2009 $25,622 was used to improve patient care through specialized transplant nurse’s training and research grants to the Texas Heart Institute to advance the treatment of heart disease. Another $42,500 was provided for temporary housing. $16,000 in financial aid was supplied for patients immediate short term needs. Nearly $12,000 was spent on activities to educate the public about the critical need to increase the number of organ donors nationwide. Heart Exchange members logged over 3,400 volunteer hours. The sponsorship reply form outlines the sponsorship opportunities available. We appreciate and need the ongoing commitment of our sponsors. We must depend on charitable donations to continue our mission and hope you will contribute to this year’s tournament. In addition, this prestigious event is a great opportunity for your company to network with area professionals. Thank you in advance for your consideration; we look forward to your favorable response. Your commitment makes this great event better each year. For additional information, please call Wayne or Rebecca Holder at 281-814-0213, or by e-mail at HEARTLUNG99@ATT.NET. Sincerely, Heart Exchange Golf Classic Executive Committee
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