Carlsbad CA— The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has honored Carlsbad resident Tricia Bothmer with its 2016 Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year award. The award was presented at the recent National MS Society’s Annual Meeting for the Pacific South Coast Chapter.
Bothmer, First VP and Financial Advisor with RBC Wealth Management in La Jolla, was honored for founding “Hit an Ace for MS,” a fundraising tennis tournament for women held the past four years on a Sunday afternoon in November at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad. Bothmer started the tournament in 2013 in support of her sister Tracy Zeigler, who lives in Chino Hills, Calif., and was diagnosed with MS in 2000.
The public is invited to attend the fundraiser and donate to the National MS Society. The tournament, played in a round-robin format, typically draws more than 125 players and volunteers. The post-tournament awards party includes a buffet, along with a live and silent auction and raffle. Spouses and friends frequently attend the awards reception following the tournament. In previous years, the live auction has featured a tennis racket and custom Nike shoes from tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.
The 2016 fundraiser raised about $18,000. Over the past four years, “Hit an Ace for MS” has raised more than $51,000. The 2017 “Hit an Ace for MS” is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 5. The 2017 event will feature three competitive divisions, including ladies, mixed doubles and juniors.
“I am willing to do whatever I can to be part of the solution and help the National MS Society’s movement toward a world free of MS and see a cure for my sister and others affected by MS,” said Bothmer, who also serves as a board trustee with the Pacific South Coast Chapter. “I am encouraged when I hear the progress of researchers and we are praying for a breakthrough that will ultimately enhance the lives of those living with MS.”
“We are grateful for Tricia and her outstanding example of community engagement success,” said Richard Israel, National MS Society Chapter President. “Tricia is a special individual who does not sit back and wait for others to take action, especially when it comes to a cause that is deeply personal.”
Previous sponsors of “Hit an Ace for MS” have included RBC Wealth Management, Nuveen Investments, Principal Financial Group, Pimco BackRock, Inc., Henderson Global Investments, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, Fidelity Investments, Janus Capital and GoMarco Bars.