Minnie Rosenblum has two passions – golf and working with people with intellectual disabilities. Through Minnie’s Birdies for Buddies golf tournament, she was able to combine her two interests and raise money for Special Olympics Florida.
The rising junior at NSU University School is a member of the school’s golf team and serves as president of the Best Buddies chapter. She also volunteers with Special Olympics and the Friendship Circle. While Minnie has participated in many programs and fundraisers for special needs organizations, she decided she wanted to create her own event specifically for golfers with intellectual disabilities.
“Special Olympics has an amazing program for golfers and are able to coach and teach the athletes how to play,” explains Minnie. “One particular obstacle for them was finding tournaments and places to do these kinds of events. That’s why it was so important for me to be able to give the athletes the same experience I have.”
Minnie’s Birdies for Buddies golf tournament enabled children and adults with special needs to play golf to their ability and be partnered with someone whose ability and knowledge of the game was more advanced. Minnie recruited high school golfers from NSU University School, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart to serve as coaches and mentors to the Special Olympics players. The nine-hole tournament was played at Trump National Doral.
“The golfers were really thankful and honored to be part of such an incredible event,” shares Minnie. “They loved being able to create a bond with the athletes and to play golf with them. The players really enjoyed their time together. It gave them a chance to truly get to know each other through a shared interest.”
While the Special Olympics players and their parents were also grateful for the opportunity to participate in this tournament, Minnie says the event was most meaningful to her. “Being able to see my impact and how I can create a special memory for other people was so rewarding. The way I made these people feel was my favorite part.”
She says it was also gratifying to present a check for $4,500 to Special Olympics Florida.
- Minnie plans to make Minnie’s Birdies for Buddies a regular event, holding golf tournaments throughout the year. She welcomes student golfers interested in volunteering at future tournaments to contact her at [email protected].