Paying it forward: Mustins give back to community that has given to them

The Mustin Foundation gives to various programs in the community through the golf tournament and other events.

By Jeff Dawsey
| 5:15 p.m. June 12, 2016

Gene Mustin, Jeff and Susie Lilley, Kathy Fulcher, Bettie Mustin, Ryan Fulcher and David Mustin

Florida Hospital's Stephen Bumb, Dee Gillet and Deb Zahn celebrated their last-place trophies, horses' backsides with enthusiasm.

Curtis Cannata puts the ball in the middle of the fairway on his last hole of the day

Monty Mountcastle's birdie putt comes up just an inch short. Photos by Jeff Dawsey

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

Nearly 26 years ago, former Seabreeze footballer David Mustin lay motionless on the field after a freakish accident. Since then, he has gotten up—now paralyzed from the chest down—and moves around Ormond Beach to give back to hr the city that has assisted him for a quarter century.

The Mustin Foundation—made up of David and his parents, Betty and Gene—held its fourth-annual golf tournament Saturday, June 11, at the Riverbend Golf Club. Dozens of friends, family members, former teammates, businesses and supporters attended the event to raise money for the Mustin's cause.

“It’s been 26 years now, and the community’s still giving to me. The outpouring has always been amazing to me, and I’m glad I get to give back.”

DAVID MUSTIIN

“When I first got hurt, they were holding fundraiser after fundraiser for me,” Mustin said. “It’s been 26 years now, and the community’s still giving to me. The outpouring has always been amazing to me, and I’m glad I get to give

back.”

In addition to many other items, Mustin credits the local community with funding the medical room he needed that was added to his house and two specialty vans.

With his foundation, he now gives two scholarships to Seabreeze’s top female and male athletes, gives through his golf fundraiser and assists others with obtaining much needed medical equipment, along with over philanthropic endeavors.

Former teammate, Mike Gist, who practiced on the day Mustin’s life was altered, said, “The fact that he’s been able to turn that into what he’s turned it into is great. After all I’ve seen in the military, I still can’t get that day out of my head, but clearly he’s doing some good with it. It means a lot to us that he’s been able to persevere and move forward.”