Teeing Off for Abilis

Fred Trump knows well the services provided by Abilis, the Greenwich-based agency that serves the disabled.

Trump, a resident of northwest Greenwich for more than 18 years, has "a very special place" in his heart for Abilis. And for that, he is paying it forward by hosting the 2nd annual Golf for Abilis benefit that's happening June 10 at the fabled Trump National Golf Course in Briarcliff Manor, NY.

Trump and his wife Lisa became involved with Abilis shortly after the birth of their son William, nearly 14 years ago. "He spent many, many weeks in hospitals, including a week at Greenwich Hospital," Trump recalled. When William came home a physical therapist with Abilis' 'Birth Through Three' program visited several times a week.  "I had thought physical therapy was just a thing for other people," Trump said. "It was a really neat relationship—William was learning from her and she was learning from William."

The assistance they received prompted the Trumps to become involved with the Abilis board. Fred Trump also participated in the Abilis golf benefits that were organized by Greenwich businessman Jerry Porricelli and held at Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich.

Trump took over the golf benefit planning last year and arranged for the golf outing to be held at the expansive Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, the private club owned by his uncle, Donald Trump.

"I just want to continue to get the word out that this is a phenomenal organization," Trump said. "(Attendees) are spending money to have a great time and helping an organization that changes lives." Trump said that unlike many organizations that hold benefits, Abilis provides an accounting of how the money is utilized for its various programs.

Many of the agency's clients receive training and work in Abilis programs and for local businesses including Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, the Greenwich YWCA, Pathmark and the Beach House restaurant. For the golf outing, clients helped with the invitations and gift bags, while others visited local businesses to solicit donations for the silent and live auctions. 

The golf tourney will feature Danny Guise, the Greenwich High School golfer who's the Connecticut Division 1 Player of the Year and planning to play golf at Wake Forest University next fall. There will be a putting contest between Guise and golfers. Guise is the son of Debbie Guise, a speech and language pathologist with Abilis.

Following the golf, there will be a banquet and silent and live auctions of prizes including an all-inclusive golf vacation for 4 to Casa de Campo, golf trip for 8 to Old Chatham Golf Club in North Carolina, and a weekend NYC getaway to the Kimberly Hotel.

There also will be entertainment by Billy Ayres, a music therapist with Abilis, and some of Abilis' talented clients.

Theo Brown, a member of the Abilis landscaping team who also plays piano and drums, said he's looking forward to performing at the banquet. He started working with Ayres about six years and now also composes songs.

The golf outing is sold out with nearly 120 golfers participating. Tickets are still available for the dinner ($150) and may be purchased by logging onto www.abilis.us/golf.