Need to spend a little time roaming around on the green? Plant City golf nuts can do just that — and help the community at the same time.
Unity in the Community will host its annual Golf Classic benefit Friday, May 29, led by tournament director Henry Falcon, at Bloomingdale Golfers Club.
This is the ninth year the organization has hosted the tournament, which raised $15,000 last year.
Unity in the Community serves to benefit different agencies in the Plant City and East Hillsborough County communities based on need, especially those that help children and the elderly. All proceeds from the Golf Classic benefit will go to Unity in the Community and will be given to organizations such as United Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the YMCA and Lots of Hugs summer reading program.
“Every penny we raise from the golf tournament helps the needy in Plant City,” Falcon said. “It’s a good cause.”
Last year, Unity in the Community made a number of donations across Hillsborough County, including awarding college scholarships to local students, purchasing school supplies and backpacks, and donating $13,000 to Area Six schools.
The annual benefit is sponsored by Winn-Dixie and Stingray Chevrolet. According to Secretary Director Sharon Moody, Unity in the Community wants to reach their increased fundraising goal of $20,000 at this year’s benefit.
“I’m just proud of it,” Falcon said. “I’m proud to be part of Unity in the Community.”
The classic will offer fun for golf lovers of all ages — free food will be served, along with drinks that are available at every hole.
“Anyone that enjoys golfing, I can guarantee that they will have a great time and be doing something to help their community,” Falcon said.
Excellent golfers might have the chance to win a car from Stingray Chevrolet, one of the classic’s sponsors, if they can make a hole-in-one at one of the designated holes at the classic.
Further prizes will be available through a raffle, which will award first, second and third place prizes. Though it is unclear what the first place prize will be, it is expected to be worth between $800 and $1,000.
To register for the Golf Classic, each player must pay $125, or $450 for a foursome. Sponsorships are also available. For those who aren’t the best with a club, but still want to support Unity in the Community, donations of prizes or food can be made. Or companies can choose to sponsor a single hole with a sign representing their company for $125.
Registration is available on the day of the classic, and begins at 7 a.m. Tee time begins at 8 a.m. There are still spots open, but Falcon recommends that interested golfers sign up as quickly as possible, as tickets usually sell out.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: Tee time, 8 a.m. Friday, May 29,
WHERE: 4113 Great Golfer’s Place, Valrico
COST: $125 per person, $450 per foursome
REGISTRATION: Call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338. Registration can be done at 7 a.m. the day of the tournament, but tickets usually sell out.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.