This year’s Despino Tire “Fishing for a Cause” Tournament on Toledo Bend made it’s biggest splash yet! While Clay and Brett Blaisdel took home the 1st place trophies and $20K with a total weight of 24.03 lbs, Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and CHRISTUS Shreveport Bossier Hospital, landed $20,000 in life saving children’s donations.
Randy and Julie Despino, owners of Despino Tire, and their loyal staff pulled off one of the largest fundraising fishing tournaments in their history. Over 200 boats and close to 100 sponsors participated this year. From monetary prizes for the top 30 finishing positions to large silent auction items to burgers on the grill, there was no lack of excitement.
While Despino’s Tire Service is normally in the business of tires, oil changes, brake repairs, wheel alignments, radiator replacement, cooling system flushes, and pressure tests, they also are one of the largest supporters of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals annually. Along with some very generous sponsors, the tournament supports critical care services for the tiniest of lives locally in Louisiana.
Impact is felt throughout the children’s departments in both Alexandria and Shreveport CHRISTUS Hospitals. Donated funds are helping the CMN hospitals maintain life saving state-of-the-art equipment, charitable care for the poor and under served population and quality therapies that prevent families from traveling out of state for care.
One teen who recently felt the CMN impact is Payton Lee. He is a local pediatric patient in Central Louisiana who is fighting for his life back after HSV Encephalitis damaged 30% of his brain. Through specialized out-patient treatment at Cabrini’s Pediatric Therapy Center, Payton received occupational, physical and speech therapies several times a week. The therapy equipment, braces, walkers, and positioners used during his treatment were purchased with CMN donations. The highly specialized swallowing training that his therapist administered was also paid for through CMN funds.
Just over a year later, Payton can walk, talk, and swallow again thanks to local therapies. He is re-entering school and resuming his drumming hobby. Payton was recently know for saying, “Miracles happen daily.”
To learn more about how you can partner with the Despino Tire Fishing Tournament for a Cause and help local Louisiana kids, please visit their generous major sponsors, their service centers throughout Louisiana and
www.despinotire.com
