The 2011 Boca Grande Fall Golf Scramble to benefit the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund was held Monday, Oct. 17, at The Gasparilla Golf Club.
While the weather was not exactly cooperative for a leisurely day of golf, approximately 70 golfers arrived and played 18 holes. Wind and a constant rain did not discourage participants from showing their support for the scholarship fund that has helped many area students get a head start on their college career for the last six years.
The dedication of the men and women who played right through to the end is an indication of how important they feel this event is for the community and an inspiration to me personally. As I drove around the course watching them play all afternoon in a drenching rain, they did more than endure and adjust their game to the conditions, they had fun doing it.
Sponsorship of the tournament this year was another reason to celebrate. Gasparilla Properties and Grande Aire Services stepped up once again to headline the event as did Key Agency, McHugh Porter Builders and our hosts: General Manager Jack Damioli and his staff at the Gasparilla Inn and Club.
Englewood Community Hospital, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Caddy Carts, Fugates, Ariel Ltd., Seale Family Realtors, Michael J. Looney Electrical Contractors, Englewood Glass & Mirror, Boca Grande Real Estate, Billy Kimberlin Roofing, Florida Shores Bank, Capital Preferred Insurance, Michael Saunders & Co. and Italiano Insurance all participated in giving this year's event a sponsorship boost of 16.8 percent over last year.
Island restaurants South Beach Bar & Grille, The Loose Caboose, The Temptation, PJ's Seagrille, The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce, The Gasparilla Inn & the Pink Elephant all donated food and drinks for a top-notch award reception at the Beach Club immediately following golf.
Our volunteer support included the Lemon Bay Conservancy, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Venice, the Boca Grande Fire Department and Diane, Amy, Allison and Charlene from our own Englewood Bank. Thank you so much for all of your help.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who helped make this event as fun as it was important, because the real winners are the kids.
Lew Hastings
managing director
Boca Grande Area
Chamber of Commerce
