NOMINATOR

NOMINEE

1. Background and Extent of fundraising undertaken: Ours is more than a "story", it is a fairytale, starring Ralph Parkes, complete with a happy ending and a sequel in the works.  We had a dream of building a state of the art centre so we would no longer have to operate out of a 3-story building that was not fully accessible and had no parking!  When we approached Ralph regarding our "dream" we had no idea that we were literally dealing with Prince Charming.  Yes, it was Ralph to the rescue.  Due to his business acumen, contacts, and professionalism we are now living in our "castle".  The annual Fine Wines Golf Classic, in aid of our charity, raises approximately €25,000 each year and is a Pre-Qualifying event for the McManus Pro-Am and enabled us to receive a €400,000 grant from the Pro-Am.  Ralph continues to "charm" his contacts into supporting us as well.  Ralph is our Patron and his support of us knows no boundaries.  He is more than just a Patron to us...he is actually our Patron Saint!  Hmmmm...a Prince and a Saint...it doesn't get much better than that.

2. Distinctiveness of the effort: Words are inadequate to describe the difference that Ralph's fundraising has made to our members and their families, but I think it is best described by sharing a few things that have been said to me by our members and their parents:  "I can't believe that this is our place; We have parking!; We actually have room to PLAY; Wow, a garden that we can wheel around in!; You mean this is all for US?; and MY PERSONAL FAVORITE from one of our 10 year old little boys....HEAVEN MUST BE LIKE THIS."

   We asked our members to come up with an appropriate name for our new home and they came up with SAOIRSE.  They told me that this new centre gave them FREEDOM...freedom to play, freedom to learn, freedom to socialise, freedom to receive their therapies in beautiful surroundings, freedom to gather together without being crowded, freedom to play sports, freedom to be themselves.  Freedom to literally get their Wheels in Motion and fly around like anyone else.  Ralph's fundraising efforts have made more than a differenced to our organisation, they have made a difference to our members LIVES.

3. Longevity: Ralph Parkes has been involved with Mid West Spina Bifida for the past 6 years, not only as a key fundraiser, but as a source of unlimited business advice and assistance. We have been honoured to have him as a Patron for the past 5 years.

4. Innovation: This is yet another area where Ralph shines.  He negotiated with the developer who owned our building which resulted in huge savings for us.  He procured the services of an award winning architectural firm pro bono.  Banking...no fees for us thanks to Ralph.  Need to save thousands on our block work...in rolls one of Ralph's building contractors....at cost.  What....no Board Room furniture....let's ring Ralph...ahhh, the furniture is amazing...thanks a million.

   Printing costs getting too high...let's call Ralph's printer...thanks for the discount!  Need architectural drawings and a professional story board ... full colour of course...to present to the McManus Committee...in rolls Ralph with drawings and story board in hand.  Need to have a lift put in the new building....Mid Western Lifts won our Golf Classic last year..let's call them....thanks for the fabulous lift at half price. Legal bills too high for purchasing the new building...Ralph calls in his solicitor pro bono again. Let's get Jerry Flannery of Munster Rugby on board...ring Ralph...thanks, Jerry, delighted to have you as a new Patron for us! The list is ENDLESS...and continues to grow.

5. Leading by example: Ralph has inspired many other business owners to do their bit for charity...not just ours either. I know of at least two law firms and one accountancy firm that decided to align themselves with individual charities as a direct result of seeing the difference that Ralph's support has made to us. We had 54 businesses put teams into our Golf Classic this year....now that is inspiring!

   I am privileged to say that Ralph was awarded Local Philanthropist of the Year by the Community Foundation of Ireland.  This resulted in Ralph being featured in the press, numerous business magazines, and RTE's Nationwide programme on philanthropy.

   Most importantly, he has inspired our members and their recognition has meant the world to him.  You should see him running around our golf classics with a huge paper gold star pinned to his chest....a gift from our art class members.  You see, he really is a STAR.