The golf tournament in Bloomingdale isn’t Unity in the Community’s biggest fundraiser. That honor goes to its car raffle at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
But, that doesn’t make its annual golf outing any less enjoyable for those involved — even when working behind the scenes.
“It’s just a good cause, being able to help those in need — that’s where my enjoyment comes from,” Henry Falcon said. “It’s amazing how everyone on the board puts their heart and soul into this thing.”
Falcon, who has worked on the tournament for the last nine years, can’t wait for 8 a.m. Friday — this year’s tee time. There will be plenty of food, drinks and fun to be had, but it’s the fundraising potential that has Falcon and his co-workers excited.
Last year, the tournament raised $20,000 alone — not a dime of which left Plant City. This year, the crew wants to top that mark by raising $30,000. Outside donations always help this number, but selling tickets is also crucial. And, there’s plenty of reason to do so.
Unity in the Community will provide free drinks all day long, grill sausages and other food for lunch, and offer a number of prizes that golfers can win. According to Falcon, the top prize will be a set of four putters and golf balls. Second will be golf bags, and third will be $50 gift cards.
As usual, Stingray Chevrolet is partnering with the Plant City-based charity to offer some prizes of its own. The dealership is offering two vehicles for anyone who can hit a hole-in-one — one for the front nine holes, one for the back nine.
All proceeds raised from the tournament will go directly to Unity in the Community, which will then go to other Plant City-area organizations. That includes giving money to the United Food Bank of Plant City and Meals on Wheels, among other organizations. In total, the charity raised $135,000 last year to give to the Plant City community.
“I’ve been putting this tournament together for nine years now,” Falcon says. “They’ve all been great. We’ve been selling out for the last eight years.”
Unity in the Community is on the verge of making it nine consecutive sellouts, but they need a little help. According to Falcon, there are a limited number of spots left for golfers to snatch up: Only seven are still available, as of press time.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 8 a.m. Friday, May 30
WHERE: Bloomingdale Golfers Club, 4113 Great Golfers Drive, Valrico
COST: $125 per player; $450 per foursome.
REGISTRATION: Prospective players will have to hurry, because there are a limited number of spots left. To book a spot, call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338.
DONATIONS: Joyce Hook, (813) 752-1275