Miami Children’s Health Foundation, along with the first family of golf, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, hosted its 33rd Annual Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Corporate Golf Invitational presented by Stearns Weaver Miller on Oct. 19 at the La Gorce Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
The annual event brought together business and community leaders and raised nearly $200,000 in support of the children and families of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, formerly Miami Children’s Hospital.
Golf icon and philanthropist, Jack Nicklaus, was in attendance and had an intimate on-stage Q&A with South Florida sports legend and morning show host on Sports Radio 560 WQAM, Joe Rose, during the awards ceremony where the “Golden Bear” spoke about everything from golf to philanthropy to college football. Nicklaus is a passionate supporter of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, who, along with his wife Barbara Nicklaus as the guiding light, supports the fundraising efforts for the Together For The Children campaign.
“This wonderful event is all about the children and raising money so that they can receive the care they need and deserve,” said Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in a joint statement. “We are delighted to be able to support Miami Children’s Health Foundation’s initiatives.”
A post-tournament ceremony included an emotional video of Annabella, a Nicklaus Children’s Hospital patient, and a lively silent auction. The following is a list of winners from the golf tournament which included a 4-man scramble to complete all 18 holes of the Jack Nicklaus designed course:
• First place (foursome): Jay Massirman, Leon Dixon, Seth Fellman & Justin Bruton
• Second place: Rick Schatz, John Abisch, Javier Holtz & Phillip Gassman
• Third place: Dr. Narendra Kini, Phillippe Touret, Dave Hines & Richard Betor
• Longest Drive Winner: Kyle George
• Closest to the Pin Winner: Leon Dixon
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who came together to support the 33rd Annual Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Corporate Golf Invitational to raise funds for the children,” said Lucy Morillo, president and CEO of Miami Children’s Health Foundation. “The funds raised will allow us to continue providing world-class pediatric care at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.”
Jack Nicklaus is considered golf’s greatest champion and a sports icon that has been recognized with countless honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and now the 2015 Congressional Gold Medal (only the 17th in history to receive both). He was recently inducted into the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Sports Hall of Champions. Barbara Nicklaus has been lauded for support of myriad charitable causes, leading her to be honored with the PGA Tour’s Ambassador of Golf Award, as well as the 2015 Bob Jones Award, the highest honor the United States Golf Association (USGA) can bestow on an individual.
This event would not have been possible without sponsors: Stearns Weaver Miller; Arellano Construction; Premier Beverage; Robins & Morton; Presidio; Tri-City Electric; Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation; Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables; Brickell Motors; iHeart Media; Red Cap; Perry Ellis International; and Intermedia.
