The funds raised during the signature event will benefit The Immokalee Foundation’s programs, including their innovative Career Pathways program.
Buddy Martin, Geoff Rogers, Chip Wilson, Curtis Strange, Noemi Perez, Jake Spanberger, Alexis Belton and Linea Strom
The Immokalee Foundation’s Fourteenth Annual Charity Classic Pro-Am raised a record-breaking $610,000 to benefit the educational and professional development needs of over 1,300 students in Immokalee—from kindergarten through postsecondary.
There were 92 philanthropic golfers who participated in the Pro-Am alongside 24 professionals, including headliner Curtis Strange (World Golf Hall of Fame), Peter Jacobsen (seven-time PGA TOUR winner, two-time PGA TOUR Champions major winner), Laura Diaz (two-time LPGA Tour winner) and Dudley Hart (two-time PGA TOUR winner) to name a few.
“The game of golf is such an amazing sport to be able to do so many things for the charities and communities we live in,” said Peter Jacobsen, seven-time PGA TOUR winner, “I’ve participated in The Immokalee Foundation’s Pro-Am before and I’ve visited Immokalee and witnessed first-hand the life-changing work that these funds provide.”
Don Fites, Joyce Hagen, and Curtis Strange
The signature event for The Immokalee Foundation marked their first Pro-Am event since the pandemic and featured a Pairings Party hosted at Bay Colony on Sunday with the Pro-Am Tournament taking place on Monday at Old Collier Golf
Club.
“Everybody knows about The Immokalee Foundation’s Charity Classic Pro-Am,” said Curtis Strange, World Golf Hall of Fame member and headliner of the event. “Everybody knows about the work that The Immokalee Foundation does to support so many of these kids, and I’m honored to be able to participate in an event that helps nearly 1,300 students in pursuit of a better education and economic independence.”
Jerry Belle, Thomas Joseph, Janet Belle and Carol Joseph
Don Fites, former CEO and Chairman of the Board for Caterpillar chaired the event, and notable attendees included David Hoffman, founder of Hoffmann Family of Companies and owner of The Old Collier Golf Club; Jerry Belle, Chairman of the Board for The Immokalee Foundation; Ryan Carter, CEO of Scottlyn; and Michael Benson, former board member of The Immokalee Foundation and Chairman & CEO of Benson Blackburn.
The $610,000 raised during the event surpasses the previous record of $450,000 raised during the 2019 Charity Classic Pro-Am.
“We are ecstatic that this event was so successful,” said Marie Rubenstein, Vice President of Philanthropy at The Immokalee Foundation. “Having missed the chance to host this event for two years, it’s heartwarming to experience such success upon our return. The money raised will help further our mission to provide students the tools, opportunities and support they need to succeed at each level of their education.”
Proceeds from the Pro-Am will support Foundation activities throughout the year, including the innovative Career
Louise Penta, Barbra Morrison, Peter Jacobsen, Curtis Strange, Sheila McGonigal, Janet Belle, Noemi Perez, Michaela Finn
Pathways program. This comprehensive educational approach prepares students for high-demand, well-paying jobs in Southwest Florida in four individual pathways: Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare.
“This event means so much, not only to the community, but to The Immokalee Foundation and our students,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “It is so wonderful to see our community come together to support our mission in such a significant way. Funds raised during our event are not only an investment in Immokalee and Southwest Florida’s education and economic growth —it’s working to prove what happens when all children are allowed to have an equal share in all that’s possible.”
For more information on The Immokalee Foundation or to support their student programs, visit ImmokaleeFoundation.org.
For more than 30 years, The Immokalee Foundation has maintained a 100% focus on education and professional development for students in Immokalee—from kindergarten to postsecondary education. Through support, mentoring, tutoring, and life skills development, The Immokalee Foundation provides pathways to success for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to succeed. For additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org.
