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Kenisons seek participants for new golf tournament

Image courtesy of Tony of Hampden Sign Corporation
By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW - In three years Radcliffe and Gina Kenison have helped to raise $43,000 for autism research. Every fall their team, "Radcliffe is the Reason and Arthur Too," participate in the Walk for Autism Research in honor of their sons, Radcliffe and Arthur, and others living with the disorder. Last year the group raised over $21,000 alone.

The family has recently formed their own nonprofit foundation to help organizations at a local level, as well. Titled after their walking team, Radcliffe is the Reason and Arthur Too Fight Autism is getting off the ground thanks to the dedication of the duo and area contributors. This Friday, the foundation will host its first golf tournament at the Hampden Country Club and they are still seeking entrants and sponsors to make this event a success and an annual endeavor.

The tournament format will feature a four person scramble for a prepaid donation of $100 per individual or $400 foursome. Gold Tee Sponsor signs are $125. For $525 a free foursome and a larger tee sponsor sign is available. For those not interested in playing golf, dinner is offered for $30 per person.

Last week the Kenisons invited The Reminder into their home to talk about their new foundation and progress with their boys.

The Kenisons have been profiled in local newspapers often over the years and have always been open about raising two autistic children. Both grew up in the East Longmeadow school system and their family ties to the town date back to 1936 (Gina's family owned Art Scarnici Construction). The heart of their new nonprofit also keeps in line with those native roots.

One of the goals of their nonprofit is to assist local support groups and education efforts.

"[Starting a nonprofit] is a long process, [but] it enables us to have more control over where the money goes," Gina explained.

Radcliffe said most of their fund-raising success to date is credited to their "good friends and family" and that many businesses in the community have been very responsive when they've called for assistance, including Hampden House, the Pizza Shoppe and the Countryside Store.

"We've been very lucky," he added, explaining that the tournament is another option for those wishing to help out with autism research and in no way denotes that business owners have to contribute to this event and their annual walk. Radcliffe explained that the tournament is simply another option to donators.

A communications officer for the Hampden Police, Radcliffe has previously planned tournaments for the department, so he is aware of all the work that goes into it.

Between their day jobs Gina is a hair stylist in Hampden and regular commitments with their children's therapies and programs it seems amazing that the duo has time to start a nonprofit and organize a tournament.

"Sleep is for the weak." Radcliffe joked.

Anyone interested in more information on the tournament or to make a donation contact Radcliffe Kenison at 525-4728 or e-mail him at radcliffe345@yahoo.com

Pre-paid four person scramble and individual fees include: green fees, cart, lunch. There is a Bogey Barbecue dinner, prizes and raffle later.