SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – The Suncoast Summerfest kicks off today with the 6th annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic.
Suncoast Summer Fest is a major fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children, which provides funding support to several local non-profits serving kids and adults with special needs.
“There’s nothing like seeing happy kids,” Old Salty Dog Judy Fryer Co-owner said.
Nearly 200 people came out to the Meadows Country Club for an iconic memorial golf tournament honoring Bob Rizi who was a chairman and board member of Suncoast Charities for Children.
“It was always something he was very passionate about, he loved giving back to the community,” Bob Rizi’s daughter Katie Rizi Kimbrell said. “He loved all the fun events. It’s always about having a good time and showing up and really showing support.”
Kimbrell and Jenn Fontaine have been helping organize this event since their dad passed away six years ago.
“We’ve grown up in this community and just to see everybody come together to remember him, to support the charity, and just to give back in something that he was always so passionate about, it just brings it all together for us for sure,” Fontaine said.
This kickoff event has already raised more than 55,000 dollars.
“And of course, we love giving to the children, they need it,” Fryer said.
Old Salty Dog Owners Philip Needs and Judy Fryer are proud supporters of this charity.
“They don’t much of a chance and then you give them that burst and then it’s just like magic,” Needs said.
Suncoast Summerfest has many events for your family, like a “Waves & Wheels” Festival Party, “Blast On The Bay” Boat Fun Run, July 4th Bayfront Fireworks, and more! Stay tuned to SNN for coverage.
