Pasco Pediatric Foundation Pictures

By Jessica Bair of The Suncoast News
Published: June 6, 2007

SEVEN SPRINGS, Fla. - Kristie Ziarko, a recent Gulf High School graduate, from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, chose to volunteer her time this past Friday.

Kristie, 17, assisted with the hole-in-one putting contest for the third annual fundraising golf tournament for the Pasco Pediatrics Foundation.

The tournament, which was held at the Seven Spring Golf and Country Club, had approximately 70 people sign up for the charitable event with the $100 entry fee including golf cart, lunch, dinner and goodie bag at the tournament, in addition to raffles for prizes, silent auction and an awards ceremony.

About 40 business professionals and community members played on four person teams in the golf tournament on Friday afternoon.

All proceeds from the benefit will go directly into the foundation's general fund that stays in Pasco County to assist needy children and families who do not qualify for state funded programs, according to John Skelton, foundation board member and treasurer.

"The foundation takes care of the needs of kids in Pasco County," said the foundation's president, Kent Russ. "All the money donated and raised throughout the year is used for our on-going programs."

The foundation offers prescription vouchers, mental health vouchers, radiology vouchers, student scholarships, medical and dental aid, as well as often fulfilling special requests annually. Kristie, who admits to overcoming hurdles in her childhood, was recently selected by the Pasco Pediatrics Foundation to receive a $1,500 scholarship for her achievements in and out of the classroom.

"It gives kids hope that despite adversity, other kids can do anything they set their minds to. She is a testament to that," said Skelton about the board of directors' selection of Kristie. Her scholastic achievements include graduating with an improved 3.2 GPA, being a varsity cheerleader and vice president of the class of 2007, and completing all honors courses from sophomore to senior year. She is an example of the children in Pasco County the foundation assists.

"I just see how good other people's lives are and want to do better for myself," Kristie says of her ambitious nature.

"My teacher really helped me and believed in me. She made a big impact in my life," she says of Samantha Murchie, a Gulf High School teacher who mentored her.

Many of the children and families who benefit from the programs and scholarships are identified through local schools by teachers, school nurses and guidance counselors, says Felicia Webb, the foundation's scholarship chair and board member.

"The teachers and counselors really have connections with these kids," Webb says of the school staff members who send in scholarship and voucher applications.

"When they see where the money is going they get a better feeling of what they're doing," she says of the participating health and counseling professionals.

Skelton says the foundation is also "an organization who wants to help those kids who help themselves" like Kristie.

She plans on obtaining her four-year degree from the International Academy of Design, in Tampa.

The approximately $16,000 raised at last year's golf tournament will go toward improvements at the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, said Russ.

"The donated money will enhance the handicap playground, add a water fountain and build a new shelter adjacent to the playground," Russ explains.

The updated amenities and new shelter in the 8,000-acre county park southeast of New Port Richey are scheduled to open in the fall.