"If I
had my way, any man guilty of golf would be ineligible for any office of
trust in the United States." - H. L. Mencken
I have retinitis pigmentosa. This disease affects the retina, has
no cure, and could lead to complete blindness.
At this point, I have narrow "tunnel vision" and a hard time seeing
in very bright light and can’t see at night -- quite a mix! I still have
about 7 - 8% vision.
Being legally blind, the Guide Dogs for the Blind accepted me into
their program.
On April 22, 2001, I became the proud partner of my guide dog,
Jacklyn. She gave me confidence to enjoy
going out and made life more enjoyable again.
Sadly, Jacklyn died this summer leaving me without her companionship.
However, Guide Dogs for the Blind has given me a new friend and guide, Cardinal.
I am also extremely happy that I am able to continue my career in the
computer industry as a technical consultant.
The first
Tee-Off for Dogs was held at the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course in
Irvine, CA on April 24, 2005. We had 90 golfers, 20 dogs and puppies in training
with lots of food and fun.
In May 2005, Jacklyn and I very proudly presented a check for
$8,000 to the Guide Dogs CEO, Mr. Bob Phillips, at the San
Rafael campus class graduation.
The second annual Tee-Off for Dogs was held at Aliso Viejo Golf Club, May 7, 2006, with
lots of dogs, golfers and 19th hole participants. We had 117
golfers, 40 puppies and working dogs and lots of food. The tournament raised
over $15,000!
Our 2007 event was held at the beautiful Tijeras Creek Golf Club in
Rancho Santa Margarita. We had 150 golfers with 35 guide dogs in attendance.
Golfers were given full goodie bags. Our on-site sponsors were awesome!
There were lots of prizes, silent auction items, and opportunity drawings.
Tee-Off for Dogs presented a check to Guide Dogs for the Blind for
$25,000.
Here's the video of the 2007 check presentation...
This annual event is my way to support the Guide Dogs for the Blind mission
to improve the lives of other visually-impaired people. What Guide Dogs
for the Blind gives cannot be assigned monetary value.
Thank you for coming to my web site, and I hope you join Cardinal and
me playing golf and/or sponsoring the event.
Jacklyn, Frank Frand's guide dog over the past five and a
half years, died on Wednesday, August 9, 2006.
All of us who knew and loved Jacklyn join Frank in mourning
the loss of his guide dog, companion, and faithful friend.
Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us,
these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so
many years of our lives. Yet, if they find warmth therein,
who would begrudge them those years that they have so
guarded? And whatever they take, be sure they have deserved.
The first
Tee-Off for Dogs was held at the Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course in
Irvine, CA on April 24, 2005. We had 90 golfers, 20 dogs and puppies in training
with lots of food and fun.
In May 2005, Jacklyn and I very proudly presented a check for
$8,000 to the Guide Dogs CEO, Mr. Bob Phillips, at the San
Rafael campus class graduation.
symbol.