Wellington, Fla. – Dec. 21, 2017 – The Inaugural Pro-Am Golf Tournament, benefiting Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County, was held December 4, 2017 at Wellington National Golf Club, and the day conclude a rousing success. The first event of its kind in Wellington gave participants the opportunity to play in a respectable Pro-Am tournament while supporting the important work of Special Olympics of Palm Beach County. In a show of stewardship for the local Wellington community, and especially those individuals with special needs and their families who care for them, Wellington National and the tournament participants raised nearly $25,000 for the worthy organization.
“The athletes of Special Olympics Florida – Palm Beach County would like to thank the Wellington National Golf Club for their overwhelming support of the Inaugural Pro-Am Golf Tournament. The passionate ownership and staff at the Club really raised the bar by creating a spectacular atmosphere for golf with wonderful food and special holiday décor to showcase the Club,” said Rich Fleming, Director of Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County. “An enthusiastic fundraising committee teamed up to raise close to $25,000 in support of our more than 1,600 Special Olympic athletes in Palm Beach County. Thank you to the players, sponsors and Golf Professionals who made this event such a success!”
The tournament boasted an impressive 22 teams of fivesomes comprised of both amateurs and professionals. Though the winning team was made up by professional Tom DeBellis and amateurs JP Perrone, Ira Keskel, Bill Degnan and Sal Delgreco, the true winners were the athletes of Special Olympics Florida – Palm Beach County. As the beneficiaries of the day, the funds raised will be used to foster their involvement in this life-changing program. The mission of Special Olympics Florida-Palm Beach County is not only to support year-round sports training and athletic competition, but to help give persons with Intellectual Disabilities the ability to “Live their Dreams.” This goal is only made possible by local donations and fundraisers such as the Inaugural Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Wellington National.
Wellington National Golf Club would like to thank all of the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Supporting sponsors as well as the following committee members for their hard work and devotion to the cause and ensuring the day ran as seamlessly as possible:
Jack Donsky, Fund Raising Chair, SOFL-PBC
Norman Chenenko, Fund Raising, SOFL-PBC
Billy O’Keefe, Fund Raising, SOFL-PBC
Rich Fleming, Director, SOFL-PBC
Stephanie Heering, Fund Raising
Tammy Pickett, Fund Raising
Sara Valdivieso, Fund Raising
Wally Less, Golf Pro, WNGC
As impressive as the Inaugural Special Olympics Golf Tournament at the club was, the Wellington National team is eager to build upon their initial success with an even more tremendous event next year. With your help, the 2nd Annual Special Olympics Golf Tournament will be continue to provide for the amazing athletes and their families benefiting from the good work of the Special Olympics Florida – Palm Beach County.
For more information on Wellington National, visit the website.
For more information on Special Olympics, please click here.
