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Alstott Boosts Hike For Hospice Fundraiser

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: November 15, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers pro football player Mike Alstott helped Gulfside Regional Hospice score a touchdown with its second annual Hike for Hospice.

The fundraiser brought in about $118,000, according to Lisa Bricker, the vice president of development for Gulfside Regional Hospice.

Another $139,000 worth of in-kind donations and the proceeds from a VIP reception boosted the total to $266,689, Bricker said. That's far above last year's contributions.

Corporate donors really stepped up to help during a tough economy, Bricker noted. They increased their cash contributions some $75,000.

The hike drew 142 participants who walked in the twin events at New Port Richey and Zephyrhills.

Alstott, generally regarded as one of the most popular Bucs players of all time, drew many autograph hunters.

"The autograph line was absolutely the longest," Bricker commented. "He's wonderful," she said of Alstott, because he won't leave until he autographs the picture of the last fan in line.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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