The Temenos Golf Club is hosting a benefit tournament to raise well-needed funds to assist Desmond “Shine” Richardson of West End to purchase and fit a prosthetic leg.

Desmond ‘Shine’ Richardson

The well-known Gas Station Operator lost his right leg up to the knee when a burglar reportedly attacked him as he was closing business for the day at about 10 pm November 16, 2006.
Director of Public Relations with Flag Luxury Properties, Arnie Hodge, told a press briefing on Tuesday, November 13, that since the incident Richardson had been confined to a wheelchair and crutches to get around but was nevertheless going about his daily business with fortitude and determination.

“We are trying our best in partnership with him to see if we can get him walking again,” Hodge stated. “It is one of those community-minded activities that we – the Flag/Temenos family - feel are necessary…We will be having some activities to help with the fund-raising drive to get Mr. Richardson a prosthetic leg so that he can begin walking again.”

Head of the Golf Course, Dana Schmid, said the benefit golf tournament was arranged for Friday, December 14 commencing at 12.30 pm. “We hope to get over 100 players for the event,” she explained. “We are looking to other golf associations – the Anguilla Golf Association, St. Maarten Golf Association and our local resource to help put together a great event.” There will be lunch and an awards banquet, as part of the golf tournament.

L-R: ‘Shine’, Dana Schmid and Arnie Hodge

She said there were three levels of sponsorship: the platinum sponsorship amounting to US$7,500; a gold level which is US$5,000; and a silver level sponsorship of US$2,500. In addition, some of Shine’s friends have donated between 100 and 500 dollars. She expressed the hope that in addition to the golfers many persons from the community would join in supporting the fund-raising activities.

The tournament will take the form of a “Texas Scamble.” Each player will be required to pay US$225 to cover golf fees, boxed lunch, awards reception and tee prizes all of which will go towards Shine’s prosthetic leg needs.

Shine thanked God for sparing his life and was grateful to Flag/Temenos for their fund-raising efforts towards securing the prosthetic leg. “It is very expensive. It costs over US$37,000 – I believe because the knee is involved,” he said. “I lost my knee by amputation in Puerto Rico.” He is also grateful to persons who helped to erect a sign at his gas station appealing for funds and is thankful to a visitor who gave him US$5,000. He was also grateful that a fund was set up at the National Bank to receive contributions. “It is I who need the prosthetic leg and I will be doing some serious accounting of the funds I receive,” he affirmed.

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