The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a golf tournament May 4 at the Island Country Club, drawing 67 golfers for a day of competition to benefit the Art Center’s programming.
Tournament results:
The day’s main event saw intense competition among participants, with prizes awarded to the top two teams.
The team of Eric Kahkonen, Paula Kahkonen, Jeff Mattes and Lori Mattes claimed the first-place title with a standout performance. Tom Gillespie, Larry Wildes, Tom Lopato and Mike Bulgarelli earned second place after a strong showing.
“We are so happy to have everyone turn out for this year’s golf tournament and deeply grateful for the generosity of all our participants and sponsors,” said Hyla Crane, executive director of the Marco Island Center for the Arts.
“The funds raised today will help us continue to offer a wide range of enriching programs, exhibitions and educational opportunities to our community. It’s wonderful to see so many supporters come together for a day of fun, camaraderie, and creativity.”
The dream of attending college will now be significantly easier for nearly three dozen Collier County high school students.
A total of 35 four-year college scholarships were awarded to area students by the Founders Scholarship Fund (FSF). The monetary value of these scholarships totals $840,000 over four years.
Recipients this year include students from Aubrey Rogers High School, Community School of Naples, Donahue Academy, Golden Gate High School, Gulf Coast High School, Immokalee High School, Lely High School, Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, Mason Classical Academy, Naples High School, Palmetto Ridge High School and St. John Neumann Catholic High School.
At the celebration, incoming Board Chair Michael Balgord welcomed the students and their families and then presented the scholarships to each recipient.
“It is a great honor to introduce the Founders Scholarship Fund Class of 2025,” said Balgord, who took over the leadership role from outgoing Chair Pat Chadwick. “Each of these students exemplifies what it takes to succeed in college and in life. They have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills and commitment to helping others. We are proud to help them pursue their dreams through a college education.”
Club Pelican Bay golf members has created this opportunity to support local students. Since the organization was founded in 1991, more than $8.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to approximately 900 local students.
Students receive the renewable scholarships with the agreement they maintain full-time student status and maintain a B average or better.
The 2025 Founders Scholarship Fund recipients are:
For additional information about scholarships or available sponsorships, visit the Founders Scholarship Fund online at TheFoundersScholarshipFund.org.
