The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament taking place in May and June of 2010 was very pleased to call Dr. Gary Kompothecras and his the free medical and lawyer referral service 1-800-ASK-GARY a title sponsor for their annual event this year. The “Tarpon Tourney” celebrated a milestone 80th year in 2010 and the addition of 1-800-ASK-GARY as presenting sponsor enabled them to contribute several thousand dollars to Suncoast Charities for Children, a local not-for-profit focusing on constructing facilities serving children with special needs.

Jeff Luhrsen, CEO of the Luhrsen Law Group initially approached Dr. Gary to ask for his support of the tournament. “It’s uncomfortable to ask people for money,” says Luhrsen, “but Gary didn’t have to be sold at all. Once I told him about the charity he said he’d do it before I even told him the cost. Gary and I have been close friends for a long time and I know he’s not afraid to say no. But he’s definitely about giving back any chance he has to do so. People have no idea what he does for the community.”

In this case, it includes backing the tournament, as Dr. Gary is known for his support of special needs children and corresponding organizations. Raising two autistic children, he is very aware of the additional challenges facing parents and children in these circumstances. Dr. Gary is always ready to lend a helping hand, evident in his support of organizations like the Chabad Kaplan Preschool and his participation on the Florida Autism Task Force.

ABOUT 1-800-ASK-GARY

1-800-ASK-GARY is a medical and legal referral hotline founded by Dr. Gary Kompothecras of Sarasota, Fla. 1-800-ASK-GARY’s mission is to provide free, immediate assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more at www.1800askgary.com

ABOUT SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN

Suncoast Charities for Children (formerly known as the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, Inc.) has constructed $14 Million in facilities serving children with special needs. Suncoast Charities for Children will continue to support local charities, thanks private donations and special event fundraisers such as the Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival, Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival, Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, and the Sarasota Tarpon Tournament. Learn more at www.suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

ABOUT THE SARASOTA TARPON TOURNAMENT

The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament is one of the oldest fishing tournaments in the world. Famous industrialist and radio magnate, Powel Crosley Jr. hooked his first tarpon while fishing in Sarasota as a guest of Robert Ringling. He was so impressed with the area and the sport of tarpon fishing that in 1929 he moved to Sarasota. In 1930 Crosley founded the tournament and the well-known Palmer family commissioned a sterling silver four-foot trophy, now residing at the Sarasota History center. The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, contributing several thousand dollars towards the local not-for-profit organization. Learn more at http://sarasotatarpontournament.info