Jays To Host Fundraiser For Oldsmar Teen
Published on May 28, 2009 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Dunedin Blue Jays News Release
DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Dunedin Blue Jays will host a fundraiser for Central Clearwater Catholic High School student Michael Quinn on Thursday, June 4 when they play the Palm Beach Cardinals at 7 p.m at Dunedin Stadium.
Quinn was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at the age of 10 years old. On May 3 of this year, the now 16 year old received a life-saving heart transplant and has responded well to it so far, as he went home for the first time in over four months back on May 18.
The disease is a defect that thickens the muscle of the heart and can cause a person to die suddenly of a heart attack. It's rather infamous for cause of sudden death in young athletes.
The fundraiser is in an effort to help the Quinn family pay for Michael's heart transplant, and with most transplants costing in the realm of $500,000, local organizations are pitching in to help the family with the cost for the procedure, and have so far raised upwards of $150,000.
The Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) is an organization that is helping out the Quinn family in their time of need, and the Dunedin Blue Jays have reached out to help as well, and are hosting the fundraiser in an effort to get the word out to the community.
The event will feature a pre-game performance from local rising country star Suite Caroline when the gates open at 6 p.m. Suite Caroline will also be selling CDs throughout the game, with all proceeds going to the benefit of the fundraiser.
Michael's classmates at Central Clearwater Catholic have designed bracelets in support of the cause, and will be selling the "Team Michael" bracelets at the game, as well, with all proceeds going to the benefit of the fundraiser. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 Raffle to help out in the fundraising efforts.
Tickets for the game are $6 each. By filling out the form that can be
found at www.DunedinBlueJays.com For more information on helping Michael Quinn through COTA or the Blue
Jays, visit www.CotaforMichaelQ.com The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Florida State League Stories from May 28, 2009
