Big Brothers Big Sisters “Swing for Kids’ Sake” Golf Tournament

Local Leaders and Former Professional Football Players Hit the Green to ‘Swing for Kids’ Sake’
Golf Tournament Raises $68,000 to Support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward

On Friday, May 16th, Miami Dolphins alumni Shawn Wooden and NFL alum Ki-Jana Carter hosted a full field of golfers at the Swing for Kids’ Sake, a charity golf tournament benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. The event began with a breakfast and shotgun start at 8:30 am at the beautiful Weston Hills Country Club, a private equity championship club located in Weston and designed by Robert Trent Jones.

But before the tournament even got started, the first ever “Big Challenge” took place. Weston Hills golf pros Rick Myatt and Ernie Ruiz went head-to-head to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward in a one day Big Challenge golf marathon on May 9. The event was the perfect way to kick off our annual Swing For Kids’ Sake Golf Tournament.
Rick and Ernie leaned on their friends, family and support from their community to help them raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward. Some offered straight donations and others wagered a “pledge per hole” sponsorship.

They golfed from sunrise to sunset and finished the day with 105 holes of golf, some icy hot and lots of water! It was a long day for the two pros, but both say “it was worth it.” Rick Myatt tweeted this statement after the tournament: “@BBBSBroward @EruizGolf 105 holes today, happy to be a part of something great #exhausted but #WorthIt”

Together with their generous friends and the support of our community, Rick and Ernie were able to raise more than $6,000 for the children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s programs and added to the funds raised at the tournament.

On May16th the tournament participants will enjoyed a great day of golf on the championship course with contest holes including two hole-in-one opportunities to win a new car, furnished by JM Family Enterprises and AutoNation. Golfers enjoyed a special on-course food break with an endless bounty of fresh hot meatballs and baked Ziti at the Timpano station.

Players also had the opportunity to golf with a Former Professional Football Player as part of the VIP foursome package and All the proceeds from the event will help provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentorship relationships with a caring adult.

Following a morning of golf, Swing for Kids’ Sake also includes a gourmet luncheon, awards, silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind. All the proceeds from the event go directly to providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentorship relationships with a caring adult.

“The event was a huge success, and we broke all records today” said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Ana Cedeño. “It was made even more meaningful having our volunteer Big Brothers speak of the personal impact Big Brothers Big Sisters has had on their lives. We are thrilled to have the support of our community so we can work collectively to help more children achieve success in life.”

Title sponsors of this year’s Swing for Kids’ Sake was Allpets Emporium and other top sponsors included: Ultimate Software, Mutual of America, Celebrity Cruises, Wells Fargo, JM Family Enterprises, AutoNation, Marketing Matters, Xerox, Loomis, Humana, Perry Ellis International and S.C.G. & Associates Humana, Publix Super Markets, Inc.,

“We are about connecting similarly motivated people and organizations to provide a foundation for our children to achieve – they are the center and focus of all we do,” says tournament host and Advisory Board member Shawn Wooden. “Our goal was to raise $40,000 and we are thrilled that we exceeded our goal. ”

For more information about the 2014 Swing for Kids’ Sake email golf@bbbsbroward.org or call (954) 584-9990 ext. 225.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-driven, volunteer-supported organization that changes the lives the children, teens and young adults. Its foundational belief is that every child has the inherent ability to succeed and thrive. By fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County increases the odds of a child academically achieving, avoiding drugs and alcohol and strengthening their family.

Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in low-income households with a single parent or have an incarcerated parent. Meaningful relationships, ongoing evaluation and professional support provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to positively impact youth and the community. Studies show that adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely to earn a four-year college degree, take part in strong personal relationships and give back to their community. Learn how you can change a child’s life, donate or volunteer at www.bbbsbroward.org.