Semmer Team thanks community
To the editor:
The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July Golf Tournament is a tradition among the Fireworks fundraisers. The fireworks team formed 22 years ago, raising funds by selling ads in the Events Book and hosting the golf tournament that has always been played at Fort Myers Beach Golf Club. The Kids Fishing Tournament, although a free event and not held to raise funds, but to celebrate kids and family, is also an original event of the fireworks. These events are like coming home and seeing friends that you may not have seen for awhile, while still raising funds for the Fourth of July display.
Some of our golfers have played all 22 years, rain, shine, soggy or muggy! Our golfers are the best! Not only do they empty their pockets buying raffle tickets, they do so without worrying if they will win or not. Thank you Joe for donating back $60 of the 50-50 raffle money! Some of the players vie for the favored “Duffers” awards, but have to settle for first, second or third place in their division.
This year Chris Heidrick of Heidrick & Company Insurance & Risk Management Services, LLC spiced things up a little with a $10,000 hole-in-one prize and the opportunity to win other fabulous prizes if the gods were smiling. A few came close. Chad Ward and a member of the Charley’s Boathouse Grill team were the closest – but unsuccessful. Chad also came within inches on #17 for a hole-in-one. Chris said he would be back next year to sponsor the awards replying, “I really hope someone does win it” to which Chad replied – me too!
And, while we thank our golfers for being with us, we have to “shine the spotlight on the sponsors”, who unfailingly support the beach fireworks with gift certificates, prizes, baskets, hotel stays, and a myriad of goodies to please any who win them. I would like to give a “special thanks” to Michael Stanton of Charley’s Boat House Grill for always giving above and beyond. Please know these same businesses also purchase ads in the Events Book, further providing funds needed for the fireworks display. Please support them while you are out and about on the island.
Thanks also go out to Fort Myers Beach Golf Club for their professionalism and laid back island atmosphere they bring to the tournament. You handled all of my emails, the changes in team members, making sure I didn’t have to worry about anything. A.D. and Jill, you’re awesome! To Heavenly Biscuit, Sun Harvest Citrus and Valerie’s Lounge, breakfast was a great start to the day.
Bonita Bill’s Cafe’ hosted the golfers and volunteers for lunch after the tourney and as always, puts out a spread where none go hungry. Thank you to the staff -Barb, Angela, Aaron, Tony, Shelli, and Kendra- who prepared the lunch and made sure everything was ready when the teams arrived. Special thanks go out to Sysco Foods, Suncoast Beverages – Budweiser, and B&W for their donations to the luncheon.
In closing, there were a few special people who came to the rescue this year and need to be recognized for their outstanding efforts in helping to pull this event together. Tracey Gore, Laura Walters, Mark Grannis, Katrina Salokar, owner of Paradise Advertising & Design and her son Ben, along with Sandy Bianchi, (who I shared much laughter with – thank you!), Joanne Semmer, John Frye, Tony Rivera, and Bill Semmer of the Fireworks Team all were instrumental in making this event what it was – The Best!
Shirley Semmer
FMB Fourth of July Fireworks Team