Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Larson.
Hi Kevin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Tom’s favorite battle cry, “Do it for the Kids!” was inspiring. Tom Roy, a devoted family man, was a member and past Master of Rosedale Masonic Lodge and an active member of Abdallah Shriners. Tom organized Abdallah Shriners first local golf event for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Tom served as chairman of Abdallah’s golf event until he passed away in 2019. He left big shoes to fill in all aspects of his life and is greatly missed. Abdallah is proud to continue this golf event in his honor and memory.
During our 8 year history, we have donated over $130,000.00 to Shriners Hospitals for Children — St. Louis. 2026 will be our 9th year and we hope to make it our biggest donation yet!
This year, the Golf Club at Creekmoor, is a new venue for us, again inspiring us to “Do it for the kids!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early on the struggle was to get sponsorships for our event. Even though contributions are deductible as a charity contribution, it was difficult to spread the word but each year seems to get better.
Getting volunteers was also a struggle. People are so busy with their own lives, I understand
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a member of Abdallah Shriners, who are a part of Shriners International. This fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, founded Shriners Hospitals for Children as its official philanthropy in 1922. What began as one hospital is now a world-renowned health care system with locations in three countries. Also this fraternity, which has nearly 200 shrine centers in multiple countries and thousands of clubs around the world, continues to support this unique health care system.
Shriners Children’s has been providing hope and healing to children for more than 100 years. Our compassionate, prestigious doctors and care teams are committed to excellence in pediatric care. We are a health care system of hospitals, medical centers, outpatient & satellite clinics with over 30 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Our staff is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, conducting innovative research, and offering outstanding educational programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Within these broad service lines, many types of care are provided. For example, some locations offer reconstructive plastic surgery, treatment for craniofacial abnormalities or care for sports injuries. Generally, care is provided through age 18, although, in some cases, it may be extended to age 21. All services are provided in a compassionate, family-centered environment.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
A good friend of mine and a fellow Shriner, Tom Roy, initiated the charity golf idea and with the help of Nick Turner, Mike Guilinger, Scott Weiss, Tony Pagel and myself.
Unfortunately Tom passed just months before our second golf event. The rest of the committee has continued Tom’s legacy since his passing.
This year members of Ararat Shriners, Kansas City, Missouri is participating in supporting this event.
Same answer as question #1, Tom Roy! Plus I do have a committee who help a lot…….
Pricing:
- Gold Sponsor is $4,000
- Silver Sponsor is $2,000
- Bronze Sponsor is $1,000
- Golfers are charged $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abdallahgolf.com
