Michael & Stacy Udine, Beam Furr, Michael Celli, and Joe Celli {Photo courtesy Parkland Cares}
By Jill Fox
What began as a cancellation from the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a huge success for Parkland Cares.
After a food and wine event originally scheduled for March 2020 was postponed, the Parkland Cares Golf Classic was born.
“We still had to fundraise. Mental health was obviously still an issue amid Covid, so we came up with the idea of the golf tournament,” said Stacey Udine, director of Parkland Cares.
According to Udine, it was so successful, raising over $100,000, that they decided to make it an annual fundraiser.
Formed following the shooting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland Cares provides funding and awareness for trauma care and mental health services for those in the South Florida community affected by trauma. In an expanded mission, they are now awarding funds to nonprofit organizations for trauma care anywhere in South Florida, said Udine.
Their expanded mission opens up the door to be able to take care of the South Florida community and help provide trauma care for anyone who needs it, she said.
The 2nd Annual Parkland Cares Golf Classic takes place on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Parkland Golf & Country Club.
According to Udine, this year’s event is in memory of Barton Weisman, whose family have been great supporters of Parkland Cares and have a passion for improving the lives of medically fragile children.
Tickets can be purchased for $300 per golfer and anyone can attend the cocktail reception for $150. Various sponsorships are still available, including an opportunity to sponsor a local hero or first responder in the tournament to thank them for their service.
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