When Tampa Bay Ultimate board members saw an email from the Fallen Soldiers Ministries asking for help, they didn’t think twice.
The organization is known to jump in and help charitable organizations. It has a history of putting on tournaments and collecting food and toys for local families to fundraise for the charities in need.
When Jim Retzke, President of the organization, reached out to Ivan Fountain, the President of TBU was struck by Retzke’s passion for FSM and his love for the sport he used to play.
"I had a vision for a tournament called "Huck’in For Service Dogs Because Cats Don’t Know Sit"!," Retzke said. "TBU embraced the concept and launched it successfully, establishing a model for other clubs around the nation to consider adopting."
There is a commodity that surrounds the Ultimate Community, particularly in Tampa Bay. Players are always rallying to help others and make newcomers feel welcome with their supportive and friendly attitude. Just recently the organization rallied around for a member who was in a horrific car wreck and needed help getting from doctor’s appointments, making meals and getting from point A to point B.
"TBU is a community of social conscience people, who love the sport of Ultimate and love dogs," Fountain said. "Jim and I saw immediately that this was a good match."
Not only did this partnership allow TBU to support their mission it also let them support Veterans who served the United States.
Fountain encouraged other local organizations to get involved so they too can give back to the men and women who "have sacrificed so much."
Though TBU has put on tournaments in the past for other organizations, last year was the first year for FSM. And through a combination of registration fees, disc sales, raffling donated items and monetary donations, the organization raised over $4,000, Fountain said.
This year, the tournament is set for April 27. People of all levels — even those who have never participated in the sport before — are encouraged to come out and play.
by McKenna Oxenden
