Florida Gulf Coast University’s 24th annual Founder’s Cup Golf Tournament tees off Friday, Oct. 9 at Quail Creek Golf Club in Naples.
“The Founder’s Cup Golf Tournament supports scholarships and a variety of programs that help to create the best education experience for our students,” said Christopher Simoneau, FGCU Foundation Executive Director and Vice President for Advancement. “It has been a tradition since before the university opened its doors.”
Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $1.3 million – including $116,000 last year — for programs that support academic excellence, scholarships, student success, intercollegiate athletics and FGCU’s community and regional impact. These same five initiatives form the foundation of the university’s $100 million campaign, which launched in 2014 and is set to conclude in 2017 during the university’s 20th anniversary celebration.
“The Founder’s Cup celebrates the history of FGCU and provides a significant financial boost to the university’s mission in support of students, faculty and staff,” Simoneau said. “We truly appreciate the commitment of the many sponsors and community supporters who believe in higher education.”
The event will begin with a buffet luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the Quail Creek clubhouse. Golfers will begin play at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start on the club’s two championship courses. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, the Quail and Creek courses offer 36 holes of satisfying challenges for players of all skill levels. Following tournament play, golfers will enjoy a dinner buffet and awards reception.
Each year, the event receives support from a number of Southwest Florida’s leading companies.
“As a local company, we are happy to help support Florida Gulf Coast University,” said Joe Gammons of Office Furniture and Design Concepts Inc., who is chairman of the event. “We consider this an investment in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Other supporters include: Johnson Controls, United Mechanical Inc., Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings, Wright Construction Group, B&I Contractors Inc., Maddox Construction Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Arthrex, Ben Hill Griffin III, Millennium Physician Group, Estero Bay Chevrolet, Service Painting Florida, United Mechanical Inc. and Univision.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available at several levels, and donations are being accepted for the auction. For more information on sponsorships, donations or registration for the 2015 Founder’s Cup, contact Lindsey Touchette at (239) 590-1016.