The 35th Annual Friendship Scramble Golf Tournament grossed $ 35,000 for a five-year-old boy and his family. He was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
BOISE, Idaho – Community members in Boise came together to show a local family that they are not alone. The Friendship Foundation hosted their 35th Annual Friendship Scramble Golf Tournament on Saturday to raise thousands of dollars and donations for a five-year-old boy diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
“We’re trying to help one child at a time,” said Mike Russell, director of the Friendship Foundation and the Friendship Scramble Golf Tournament.
The Friendship Foundation works with St. Luke’s Mountain State Tumor Institute to help a child diagnosed with a serious illness.
Russell started the fundraiser 35 years ago and it’s growing every year. Approximately 160 people donated their time to play and volunteer on the 35th Scramble Saturday.
“It’s about raising a family,” said Rebecca Russell, a foundation board member and Mike’s daughter. “We are forming a family in support of a new family that joins our group of people who come together every year.”
This year’s beneficiary is five-year-old Rio Atagi, who was recently diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor called ependymoma.
“He’s in a hell of a good mood most of the time, he gets tired easily,” said Patti Beavers, Rio’s grandma.
To cut medical costs and make life easier for Rio and his family, the Friendship Scramble raised $ 35,000 to donate to them. They also gave Rio some of his favorite toys and treats for him to enjoy while he continued on his path to recovery.
In addition, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean proclaimed May 15 “Rio Day”.
“It’s the kindness people show to my daughter, grandson and family that brings tears to my eyes and makes me cry the most,” said Beavers.
The Atagi family is grateful for the generous and supportive Boise community. Beavers said their favorite part of the day was watching their grandson move, climb around golf carts, and enjoy life.
“I think that’s what Rio needed today and so did his parents,” said Beavers.
Above all, Saturday should show Rio that he has a community full of support with him every step of the way.
“Look, there’s a lot of space,” said Mike Russell.
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