Bridge group uses game as a fund-raiser

When Linda Tewis' grandson was diagnosed three years ago with tuberous sclerosis complex, a genetic disorder characterized by seizures and tumor growth in vital organs, she turned to the Monday Ladies Bridge Group for support. Their solution: raising funds for research.

"I think it is a first for bridge players to support a charity. Most of us are middle to older ladies and gentleman who might not be able to participate in physical type activities usually seen in fundraisers," Tewis said.

The bridge club is gearing up its fourth annual Southeast Missouri Bridge Benefit for Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, a national research foundation. The game is slated for 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dalhousie Downtown, 19 S. Spanish St. in Cape Girardeau. Play is limited to the first 60 registrants, and the minimum donation is $25 per person.

This year's benefit is in honor of Tewis' grandson, Jackson Kozisek, and Natalie Brown, a Jackson girl also diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis.

The first year of the event, the bridge group raised more than $3,000. By 2006, efforts of several bridge groups and other donations totaled $9,538. All proceeds went for TSC research.

Submited photo (Local party bridge players support the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, foundation that supports research of the genetic disease. Pictured clockwise from top left were Frankie Schott, Shirley Gelsheimer, Mary O'Neil and Linda Tewis. Their upcoming benefit for tuberous sclerosis research is slated for Wednesday at Dalhousie Downtown.)

"People are so generous," Tewis said. "One individual who did not play made a $2,000 donation."

The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance was founded in 1974 to increase media coverage and research of tuberous sclerosis complex, which is about as common as Lou Gehrig's disease with about 1 million cases worldwide. TSA's mission is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis while improving the lives of those affected.

About the Monday ladies

The Monday Ladies Bridge Group may be considered a little more laidback than some bridge clubs, but members are still serious about the game.

When Kim Swartz moved to Cape Girardeau, the group was a way for her to meet people outside of work while raising children. Swartz has even been told she was named after a deck of Kem brand playing cards.

Tewis has played in the Monday group for six years. "Some in the group have played longer," she said. She also plays in two other monthly bridge groups.

Tewis said that when she went through college, students had to be back in the dormitories by 8:30 p.m., so "students would play card games for entertainment."

Mary O'Neil, a Monday group player, said she had a friend who flunked out of college from playing too much bridge.

"My love for bridge started when my children started to leave the nest." said Shirley Gelsheimer, a member of the Monday Ladies Bridge Group. "A friend told me they were offering lessons at the senior center, so I called and signed up. I immediately fell in love with the game. Been playing for around 22 years."

Monday group members have forged a close social network. That, and a love of bridge, pushed them to hold the first tuberous sclerosis fund-raiser three years ago.

"We don't run marathons," Swartz said.

Donations

Individuals wishing to make a donation should make checks payable to Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. They can be sent to Joan Gohn, 2413 Jean Ann Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

For more information on the fund-raiser, call Joan Gohn at 335-0387 or Terry Crowell at 335-3037.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133