Friar Fight to End Duchenne

HOPE FOR A CURE – DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:48:18 +0000

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive and devastating muscle disorder. Typically those diagnosed lose their ability to walk when they are between 9 and 14 years old, and need respiratory support during their teen years. Most typically survive only into their late teens.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a parent founded non-profit organization, is investing in research & education that directly influence the well-being of those diagnosed. 86% of the funds received by this organization go to research and education.

Fundraising for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:43:20 +0000

As “The Friar” grew in number, expanded beyond the high school group and got a little less rowdy, a decision was made to start giving back to the community. In 1995, the golf tournament began its legacy of supporting a wide range of charities including God’s Kitchen, Michigan Wheel Chair Sports Association and The Children’s Assessment Center, just to name a few.

“The Friar” fundraising became more personal several years ago as Kevin and Kyle, the two sons of Mike and DeAnne Friar, and the brothers of sister Colleen, were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Learn more about Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy at their website.

History of the “Friar” Golf Outing

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:42:11 +0000

Back in 1985, Mike Friar convinced a group of high school seniors to hit the links for a “formal” 2 man scramble golf tournament. For the most part, it consisted of a bunch of recent East Kentwood High School grads hacking around a golf course, half of them going shirtless in order to work on their tan. Because of the partnership with two high school friends, Morrie Fongers and Pat Martine, the “official” name of the tournament changed several times over the years from “Friar-Martine”, to “Friar-Fongers”, to “Friar-Martine-Fongers”, finally shortening to “FMF”. Regardless of the official name, it has always been known as “The Friar”.

Friends and “Friends of Friends “

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:37:06 +0000

2009 marked the 25th anniversary of the golf outing. To commemorate the milestone, 25 family members and friends pledged to shave their heads in an effort to raise $25,000 for PPMD. The 2009 event ended up raising over $42,000 with 34 volunteers getting their heads shaved. In 2010, a number of the Friar Faithful “went blonde” for the cause and helped raise $25,000. Since 1995, the “Friar” has raised over $205,000 for charity.

You too can join us each year, click here to learn more!

Our “Blonde” Appearance on WOOD TV 8′S eightWest

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:35:23 +0000

Thursday, 22 Jul 2010, 12:10 PM EDT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The Friar Fight to end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a golf tournament that raises money to support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. This group is dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne, a form of the disease that is inherited and rapidly weakens muscles. Mike Friar has two sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and is doing his part to give back.

Follow the this link to see eightWest video: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/eightwest/Friar_Fight_to_end_Duchenne

On the set of eightWest (click for a larger image)

2009 Golf Fundraiser and a TRIM!

lundy420 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:36:37 +0000

This special event was aired on FOX NEWS 17

For 25 years, a group of friends in Grand Rapids, Michigan has hosted a golf tournament — first to skip school, later to stay-in-touch, and now all these years later the motivation is much more serious.

This is a news report that aired on Fox 17 in Grand Rapids July 27, 2009.

July 2009 Event - Special Thanks to Steve Amorose – Fox 17 Sports Anchor

Here is a compilation of those who wonderfully had a haircut for the cause. (click for a larger image)

If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road,

I don’t want them.

I want men who will come if there is no road at all.” - David Livingstone