BUGS and Spike Out Sepsis Events – Great Fun For All
June 27, 2012 - Although every month is a busy one for Sepsis Alliance and those behind the organization, May and June are particularly busy for SA's Dr. Carl Flatley and Dr. Jim O’Brien as they help organize and participate in their respective awareness and fund-raising events, the BUGS Classic and Spike Out Sepsis.
The Erin Kay Flatley B.U.G.S. Classic fishing tournament is spearheaded by Erin Flatley’s sister, Jennifer Flatley Anderson. The funds raised by the event support the Erin Kay Flatley Foundation, which serves several sepsis charitable purposes, most importantly is Sepsis Alliance. The event is held every May in Dunedin, Florida on the day before Mothers Day.
The Captain’s Party kicks off the weekend and provides participants with an opportunity to meet new friends, greet old friends, win some raffle prizes, and learn more about what Erin’s foundation is all about. There is also a silent action and many sponsors and friends donate items.
“The turn out was fantastic again this year,” said Dr. Flatley. This year, there were over 50 fishing participants. Many more come to the "Weigh In" for family fun and a BBQ pool side.
“Not only did the event raise over $25,000 dollars for the foundation, more people had the opportunity to learn about Erin and sepsis – an illness that should never have happened,” added Dr. Flatley. Additional, John Flatley, Erin’ s brother is working on a $6,000 match from Google, where he works in California.
If you want to participate next year, be sure to check out the BUGS Classic website to keep up-to-date on the event’s happenings. You may contact Dr. Flatley directly at cflatley@sepsisalliance.org if you would like to participate or donate monies or items for the auction.
For the fourth year in a row, Spike Out Sepsis teams rocked the courts in Columbus, Ohio as participants and supporters played slightly altered versions of sand volleyball. Have you ever tried playing volleyball while wearing mittens? How about goggles? If you haven’t, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun!
“We decided that we’d shake things up a bit so the actual volleyball playing may not be so intimidating,” said Dr. O’Brien. “Teams bid to see who will have to wear adult diapers or sombreros during the match. We also have lifelines that, for a donation, requires the other team to serve with their opposite hand or some other handicap.”
Four years ago, Jennifer MacDermott and Alicia Rendon, ICU nurses at The Ohio State University Medical Center and colleagues of Dr. O’Brien, came up with the sand volleyball tournament idea. After many hours of planning and work and, later, with help from anyone who would offer, the first tournament was held and a tradition was born.
This year, the event raised over $25,000 for Sepsis Alliance. In addition, it helped showcase sepsis and raise awareness of something that many Americans have never heard of.
Next year will be year five of Spike Out Sepsis. Stay tuned to their website to learn more about it and if you want to play – sign up early! The spots fill fast.
If you would like to participate or make a donation, you can contact Dr. O'Brien at jobrien@sepsisalliance.org.
The BUGS Classic and Spike Out Sepsis are two examples of fundraisers that resulted from people wanting to do some fundraising but having some fun doing things they enjoyed doing. If you have any ideas for fundraising in your community, why not give it a try?