The first annual golf tournament “Golfing for Scholars”, co-sponsored by Bentley Village Foundation and Vi Living at Bentley Village, raised $21,300 to support the Wings Scholarship Program for employees and their family dependents. The Foundation deeply appreciates the spirited participation in the golf scramble by the competing golfers and the generous support provided by many local businesses and residents…and the invaluable efforts of the Golf Committee and additional volunteers.
Sun and clear skies paved the way for a fun-filled event. The outing kicked off with a putting contest and an exciting helicopter drop of numbered golf balls. The helicopter and skilled pilots were provided courtesy of the Collier County Sheriff’s Department. Bentley staff and residents lined the 9th fairway watching the excitement.
There were some great shots, but no one managed a hole-in-one to win the Mercedes that was displayed at the 15th hole. The car was provided by Mercedes Benz of Bonita Springs in North Naples.
After the tournament, players and dinner guest headed for a cocktail reception at the Palmetto Room in Bentley’s East Club House. Piano music was provided by Pat Fessler as the attendees browsed a Silent Auction of beautifully displayed items of donated treats, treasures and gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants. A gourmet diner, catered by Vi Food Services, and an awards ceremony followed. Bentley’s golf pro, Stan Geer, awarded cash prizes to the top 3 teams:
#1 Team – Jasen Gilbert, Steve Merkel, Josh Espinosa and Logan Curti (sponsored by Ciccarelli Advisory Services)
#2 Team – Ric Huttenlocher, Alice Taylor, Vern Kaskey and Karen Rosenstein (Bentley residents)
#3 Team – Hope Calabrese, Norma Webb, Nancy O’Brien and Natalie Knecht (Bentley residents)
and awarded a golf bag and food and wine baskets to the winners of:
Helicopter Ball Drop | Putting Contest: | Closest to the Pin: | Closest to the Line: |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Place – Cindy Kruesi | Ladies’ Winner – Nancy Sargent | Ladies’ Winner – Vel Koch (5’-10”) | Ladies’ Winner – Natalie Knecht |
2nd Place - Pat Cohen | 2nd Place Pat Cohen | Men’s Winner – Vern Kaskey (3’10”) | Men’s Winner – Harlan Parish |
The Foundation’s President, Diane Halas, expressed appreciation to the Golfing for Scholars Committee
Phyllis Sharp, Co-Chair and Hope Calabrese, Co-Chair
Karen Rosenstein, Foundation Liaison
Elaine and Bill Bond
Betty and Ed Graff
Betty and Dick Miller
Angie and Jack Toth
Patty Runkel and Russ Geldmacher
and to the generosity of the numerous donors of silent auction items, prizes, table flowers, hold sponsor signs and the 19 Hole Sponsors who are all identified by name on the attachments….and especially to Vi at Bentley Village for their Co-Sponsorship and the ongoing support of the Pro Shop, Golf Course maintenance by Florida Evergreen (especially with the aftermath of Irma) and the Vi Sales and Management team.
