PALM CITY — The second annual Rosie, a charity tournament held May 12 in honor of award-winning golf journalist Tim Rosaforte, raised more than $200,000 that will be used for college scholarships for First Tee Florida Gold Coast and the Evans Scholars Foundation.Hosted by the Floridian Golf Club – where Rosaforte was a longtime member and once held court with President Obama on the range – many of Rosaforte’s close friends, colleagues and family gathered at the picturesque setting to raise money for a cause that was dear to his heart.The highlight of The Rosie came May 11 when 17-year-old North Palm Beach resident Bella Cecere, who recently graduated from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, was honored at the dinner as the first caddie to receive a fully-funded scholarship (worth more than $125,000) from The Rosie through the Evans Scholarship Foundation. Bella was 3 when her mother, Kristin Hoke, a WPBF-Channel 25 news anchor who courageously fought a 4 ½-year battle with cancer, died. Bella has lived an inspirational life in honor of her mother and will attend the University of Delaware to study nursing – a nod to the care her mom received during her illness. Bella thanked Rosaforte and The Rosie attendees.
“I never met Tim, but I was told he was just a great journalist, that he was very well liked by people and everyone thought he was a great person,” Bella said. “I’m extremely grateful, and it’s really nice to pinpoint this happened because of him.”
Representatives from the PGA Tour, PGA of America, USGA, NBC Sports and more than a dozen local golf clubs were on hand to support The Rosie. Rosaforte moved to Palm Beach County in 1986 and spent the next 35 years tirelessly covering the sport while his career ascended from the Fort Lauderdale-Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, Golf Channel – where he became the sport’s first true “insider” – and NBC.“Scholarships change the lives of these young people, and an amazing number of people are supporting this cause because of Rosie,” said PGA Professional Jack Druga of the Evans Scholars Foundation who spearheaded the tournament for his close friend. “Brad Martin and the Martin Family Foundation and the Floridian – Head PGA Professional Morgan Jewell and owner Jim Crane – deserve a special thanks for our success today.”Bella was a member of First Tee Florida Golf Coast, where she became close friends with Jacie Goodman, who received a college scholarship two years ago. Bella caddied at Old Marsh Golf Club and became the fifth student from First Tee Florida Gold Coast to receive a college scholarship. The scholarships are based on a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character.Another Palm Beach County student, Chandler Cantwell, who graduated from Dwyer High School and is a caddie at famed Seminole Golf Club, received a full Evans scholarship. He will attend the University of South Carolina, where he plans on studying business and hopefully follow his father, Tim, a former caddie at Seminole and the PGA Teaching Professional at PGA National Resort, into the golf business. Chandler became the fifth caddie at Seminole to earn an Evans scholarship.“Rosie was a vice-chairman of the First Tee and one of our biggest supporters,” said Carl Mistretta, Executive Director of First Tee Florida Gold Coast. “It is heartwarming to have Bella join us for this meaningful event that will fund new scholarships well into the future.”
Rosaforte died on Jan. 11, 2022 at 66 after a two-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Among his many honors: The PGA of America made Rosie the first journalist – and 12th person – to receive an honorary membership; Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament presented Rosie with the Memorial Golf Journalism Award; and his hometown PGA Tour event (now known as the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches), named its media room after Rosaforte and created the Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalism Award. The Rosie has raised more than $400,000 in its short existence.
“Tim would be humbled and overwhelmed with the love being shown even after he’s been gone for more than three years,” said his wife, Genevieve Rosaforte, who participated with her family. “He would love that kids are being influenced and encouraged through this event. We are all proud that his legacy lives on, but there are also bittersweet feelings of not having him here.”
Donations and bids on a collection of special golf prizes can still be made to the Tim Rosaforte College Scholarship by visiting www.rosieproam.com

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