Golf Tourney putts more green into Foundation treasury
National President Keith Oliver with Jon Phillips, operations director at North American Mining Company. Phillips sponsored a hole for $2000.
A rowdy rainstorm cleared up three hours before tee time for the 15th Annual United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association Foundation (Florida Chapter) Golf Tournament, held April 26 at the Sherman Hills Golf Club in Brooksville, FL.
The golfers ranged from young to old and competition was close with everyone landing in the 60’s.
Jim Paxton and Tournament Chair, Gene Smith. Jim has played in all 15 of our Fla Chapter Tournaments. He is also cousin to our departed executive director, Jack Paxton.
First place went to golfers, Jim Paxton (Our own Jack Paxton’s cousin), Bobby Jones, Randy Blanchard and Mike Spoon, with a combined team score of 62.
Second place went to golfers Ron Bisson, Lane Harris, Jim Neuman and Mike Spradlin, with a combined team score of 63.
Third place went to Curtis Beahn, Ralph Napoliano, Andy Izbicky and John Mudrick, with a combined team score of 64.
The final tally after expenses was $3,176.54. This event is a fundraiser that supports the USMCCCA Foundation and it’s patriotic, charitable and educational programs for both active duty and retired Marines and their families.
Thanks to our generous golfers and especially Jon Phillips, operations director from the North American Mining Company who sponsored a hole for $2000 for the second straight year.
“Jon was the big guy with the big smile,” said Gene Smith, Golf Tournament Chair. “He is a walking poster for the slogan, ‘Once A Marine, Always a Marine.'” His team included Brandell Campbell, Andrew Rowell and Andrew Janson.
We also appreciate the long-standing donation of Heineken products from Heineken USA who sends us a team (and liquid refreshment) every year. This year we had Jose Montesino, Mark Santarelli, Kenneth Llewellyn and John Palm.
And let’s not forget those fabulous silent auction Items donated by the following:
Inverness Golf Country Club, Continental Country Club, Riviera Country Club, Hidden Hills Country Club, The Golf Links of Charlotte Harbor, Stone Creek Golf Club, Charlotte Harbor National Golf Club, Walt Disney World Golf, Reunion Resort, Southern Hills Plantation Club and Innisbrook Resort.
Many, many thanks are owed to the hard-charging Gene Smith and his wife, Peggy who did an amazing job setting up the tournament and scrounging prizes. National President, Keith Oliver and Executive Director Kate Stark showed up in time to help run the event.