Speedco charity golf outing benefits Make-A-Wish

CAYUGA, Ind. (July 16, 2013) — Speedco Inc., a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, raised $60,000 for Make-A-Wish at its third bi-annual Speedco FORE Wishes golf tournament on June 13.

The original goal of raising $500,000 for the nonprofit was set in 2006, and was surpassed at this year's golf outing.

Speedco said teammates and friends were also joined by Matt, a 9-year-old Make-A-Wish child, and his family. The company surprised the boy by helping grant his wish to go to Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas later this summer. Matt had the honors of the first tee-off, with tips from Greg Kyte, six-time Long Drive World Championship Finalist and general manager at Speedco.

The event hosted 24 teams, Speedco said, and at each hole on the course they were greeted by photos of other wish children Speedco has met throughout the course of its alliance with Make-A-Wish.

Speedco said participants also bid in a silent auction that included, among other items, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. autographed helmet and tickets for an Indianapolis Colts suite at an NFL game.

The $60,000 raised at Speedco FORE Wishes benefits Speedco's local Make-A-Wish chapter, which serves Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Speedco said it is still accepting donations to Make-A-Wish at any Speedco location.