Registration is open for the 9th annual Golf Tournament benefitting Jacob’s Touch Foundation.
Jacob’s Touch Charity Golf Tournament returns on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Westchase Golf Club. All proceeds will help further Jacob’s Touch Foundation’s mission to provide financial care and assistance through grants for therapy, medical and educational needs to families and nonprofit organizations supporting autistic and neurodiverse people.
Jacob’s Touch Foundation was founded in 2011 by Westchase residents Kimmie and Howard Fine to fill a growing need in the community. When they found themselves struggling to keep pace with the costs of medical treatments for son Jacob after he was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, they knew they were not alone. Autism affects 1 in 36 children. Twenty years ago, this statistic was 1 in 150 children. Autism is considered the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. and is now more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and childhood cancer.
Jacob is now 21 and a student at St. Pete College. Kimmie noted that as Jacob has grown, the focus of Jacob’s Touch has shifted to support neurodiverse and autistic individuals and their families as they navigate young adulthood. “We want to make sure these young adults are not unemployed, underemployed or depressed,” Kimmie said.
Kimmie added that Jacob’s Touch will continue to serve as a resource for all age groups, not only providing financial assistance; but also serving as a trusted referral service that is unique to this area.
In 2023, the Jacob’s Touch Charity Golf Tournament raised $70,000 to support Tampa Bay area families. These funds were awarded to families with an established need and assisted with payment for therapies, educational and medical costs. Grants were also awarded to local nonprofit organizations that support autistic and neurodiverse people. The goal is to raise $100,000 in 2024 and there are a number of ways you can help – whether as a sponsor, silent auction or raffle donor, or a participant in the tournament, every contribution matters.
Click here to learn more and to register!
