Fundraiser To Send Beisel’s Family To Olympics For First Time
Monday, July 23, 2012
When Elizabeth Beisel swam in her first Olympics in Beijing four years ago, her dad, Ted, was forced to watch his daughter's triumph on a TV set... in Rhode Island. Not this time. Thank to the Narragansett Lions Club, a fundraiser is being held tomorrow, July 24th, to help the Beisel family afford the travel to London to see their daughter compete.
"How fortunate are you to have one opportunity, never mind two, at the Olympics," said Peter Corsi, Narragansett Lion's Club board member, who has helped organize the event. "Usually people that come to us need our help for different reasons... utility bills, mortgages, etc. This is for a fun cause."
Second chance
The Narragansett Lions Club helped the family four years ago, but still could not raise enough to subsidize the expensive trip to Beijing, China. Travel to an Olympics, no matter where the locale, can cost upwards of $25,000. Tomorrow evening's cocktail fundraiser aims to raise those funds to send Ted and his wife Joan to watch Elizabeth make her second Olympic games appearance in London.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"We're even more motivated this time because last time (Ted) didn't get to go," Corsi said. "Watching your child at the Olympics? You can't miss that."
Elizabeth Beisel: RI superstar
Elizabeth Beisel began her swimming career right in her hometown of Saunderstown, leading her team at North Kingstown High School before accepting a scholarship to the University of Florida. In her 2008 Olympic debut, the backstroker and IM competitor didn't medal, but came as close as you can, placing 4th in the 200-meter backstroke and 5th in the 400-meter individual medley. In the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships, Beisel took gold in those events. This year, she led her Florida Gators to a 3rd-place team finish at the 2012 NCAA National Championships. All eyes are on her in London when she looks to medal in both the 200-meter backstroke and 400-meter IM.
But the Narragansett Lion's want to make sure Mom and Dad are there to witness it this time.
The cocktail reception to help with Beisel Family travel expenses will be held Tuesday, July 24th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett. Donations and tickets can be made at the door of the event. Donations may also be sent on behalf of the Beisel Family to the Narragansett Lion's Club, P.O Box 186 Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882.
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