October 14, 2014 –Golfers–as well as just about anyone who’s ever heard of the game–had a fairway flashback as Rotarians welcomed Mike Nicklaus, son of iconic, internationally revered, golf champion and course designer, Jack Nicklaus.
Introduced by Ned Jervey, Mike resembles his famous father with his red-gold hair and easy smile but he didn’t come to talk to us about the wonderful, beguiling, frustrating sport that can turn preachers into sailors. Instead, Mike told us how his celebrated father’s nickname, the “Golden Bear,” has turned into an internationally known “brand” generating revenue that supports specialty hospital programs assisting sick children.
The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, based in North Palm Beach, Florida, was started in 2004 and is an effort to provide families with access to world-class pediatric healthcare through “innovative programs focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood illness.”
Initially, the Nicklaus family had ambitions to build a children’s hospital. Over time, however, the family and foundation leadership recognized the immense cost and complexity of pediatric specialty services hospital administration and regulatory compliance and determined that the Foundation’s largess would be better deployed designing and funding programs within partner hospitals.
Now, the Foundation’s model is to collaborate with pediatric hospitals across the country to assist young patients and their families who are faced with diseases and conditions that require specialty care. That care may be medical but also focuses on emotional therapy and support as well as housing and other kinds of day-to-day practical help. The foundation assists not only these young patients, but provides support and assistance to their families. To raise money the foundation sponsors golf tournaments and other events with proceeds going to the foundation.
Mike Nicklaus is the owner and broker for Golden Bear Realty, a high-end real estate company based in Florida. Mike hopes to build not only a successful real estate company in Charleston but also to bring the foundation’s work to the lowcountry through a partnership arrangement with MUSC supporting the Children’s Wellness Programs. With 12 golf courses in SC to help sponsor funding events, we hope that Mike and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation can make a positive impact on sick children and their families in the Charleston region.
— Cheryl Kaynard