SARASOTA – It’s a nine day festival that spans throughout Sarasota.
“This event is one of the biggest fundraiser during the festival, this and our festival kickoff party,” said Festival Director Lucy Nicandri.
Dozens of golfers hit the course for the 4th annual Bob Rizi Golf Tournament Classic. The tournament is the official start to the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. Chair of the golf classic Jaime Woods says it’s all about raising money for charity.
“It’s a wonderful event we’re here to raise money for Suncoast Charities for Children,” said Woods. “[The] charity was started in 1986 we’re just continuing the legacy.”
The tournament is named in memory of Bob Rizi, a former board member at Suncoast Charity for Children. Rizi’s daughters Jennifer Fontaine and Katie Kimbrell say their dad always put the needs of kids first.
“Suncoast Charity for Children has been an organization that our dad has been a part of for, goodness, 25 years or more even. He has always been passionate about it,” said Kimbrell.
Fontaine and Kimbrell are honored their father’s legacy is being remembered with the tournament and say this has been the biggest turnout in history.
“He loved this tournament, he loved this charity, loved all the events surrounding the tournament the offshore races. He’d take the shirt off his back to give to anyone,” said Fontaine. “To give to the kids, he always said it’s all for the children,” added Kimbrell.
A total of 59 teams played on the 18 hole course at the Meadows Country Club. Woods hopes at the end of the tournament the charity bring will in around $50,000-$60,000.