The NU-HOPE Golf Tournament continues to distinguish itself not only as one of the longest-running charity tournaments in Highlands County, but also as one of the most meaningful. As NU-HOPE marks 50 years of service, this year’s event proved that community support—and commitment to seniors—is as strong as ever.

Under ideal playing conditions—sunny skies, 75-degree temperatures, and a steady breeze—golfers gathered at Pinecrest Golf Club on Saturday, April 12 for a tournament that meant more than just a day on the course.

The NU-HOPE 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament brought together a competitive field of teams from across Central Florida, all teeing off in support of a vital mission: funding nutrition, in-home, and social support services for seniors and caregivers in Highlands and Hardee counties.

Hosted on the full course at Pinecrest, the tournament served as both a celebration and a call to action. NU-HOPE Elder Care Services, the lead agency for senior services in the Highlands and Hardee County, is known to most in the community by its two thrift stores or by the Senior Meal & Activity Centers it hosts. However, NU-HOPE actually provides over a dozen services , all designed for one purpose —helping older adults maintain independence and avoid institutional care.

However, since grants only cover a portion of the cost of service, fundraisers such as the NU-HOPE Golf Tournament are essential. They bring the community together for a day of fun, while also supporting an important mission.

“This is what golf should be,” said Evan Thomas, a participant who made the trip from Lake Wales with his team. “A well-run tournament, a beautiful course, and the chance to give back to a community that truly needs it.”

Following a morning shotgun start, players were treated to lunch at the Sandhill Grill, where post-round camaraderie matched the enthusiasm seen on the fairways.

The event was made possible through the support of generous sponsors. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union served as the Gold Sponsor, with Insight Auctioneers stepping in as Sterling Sponsor. Raffle prizes were supported by Sapp Services and Stewart Construction. Hickey Excavation and Bowman Steel participated as Bronze (Double Corporate) Sponsors, while Duke Energy sponsored the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin competitions.

Participants in the four-person scramble were divided into 4 flights. While all players reported the day was filled with amazing moments, some teams had more success on the course, itself, than others.

1st Flight

1st Place (Gross 57): Kyle Cunningham, Jason Cannon, Nate Greene, Kristopfer Hodges
2nd Place (Net 57): Kevin Stoll, Shayne Fassler, Jason Murphy, Cullen Lovett
3rd Place (Net 58): Mike Filisky, Gene Tary, Gene Tary III, Charles Tary

2nd Flight

Tied 1st Place (Gross 61):
– Roger Moore, Dana Davidson, Herbert Dowglksiz, Ramon Torres
– Roberto Celaya, Jose Sanchez, Shane Ward, Steve Arnesen

3rd Place (Net 59): Tim Kennedy, Mike Kennedy, TJ Kennedy, Aaron Offret

3rd Flight

1st Place (Gross 62): Tony Salas, Jacob Crews, Jimmy Reeves, Frank Johnson
2nd Place (Net 56): Jake Glarner, Dominic Glarner, Brandon Glarner, Kearsta Danser
3rd Place (Net 59): Billy Celentaro, Jimmie Hagel, James Goins, Ken Danielson

4th Flight

1st Place (Gross 63): Johnny Evans, Shane Crawford, Ken Sides, Brian Mason
2nd Place (Net 55): Evan Thomas, Marvin Pavy, Scott Pavy, Mark Thomas
3rd Place (Net 56): Axton Bryant, Richard Torres, David Rice, Brandon Turetsky

After the tournament, players gathered at the Sandhill Grill to enjoy their famous angus burger platter, celebrate the winning teams, and try their luck at various raffles.

The NU-HOPE Golf Tournament is also well-known for its raffle, and this year was no exception.  Sponsored by Sapp Services and Stewart Construction, the raffle tables included a half dozen tables overflowing with prize baskets. Additional large prizes covered the floor space. The top raffle prize, donated by Shawn Martz at Insight Auctioneers, was a 3 night stay in a mountain cabin retreat.

“Fundraisers such as the NU-HOPE Golf Tournament are so important, states Slade. “Every year, NU-HOPE must raise over $350,000 locally in order to provide critically needed services for seniors and caregivers. It’s important to note that every dollar stays here in our community. We’re neighbors helping neighbors.” 

The NU-HOPE Golf Tournament is traditionally held late spring, just prior to National Older Americans Month held each May.  Older Americans Month highlights the positive impact that seniors have on our communities, as well as focusing attention on the realities and challenges that many face as they age. 

“In the 50 years that NU-HOPE has served our community,” states Slade, “we have had one primary goal: to allow seniors to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.

Slade adds, “Whether a senior connects with others through sports, by attending an activity center, or by bonding with those who provide services in the home, socialization affects our physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. NU-HOPE is currently exploring ways that socialization can be increased in our community. NU-HOPE now has Senior Meal and Activity Centers in Avon Park, Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula, with our Avon Park site reopening very soon. There, seniors can receive a nutritious meal, participate in great activities such as art and exercise classes, play games and connect with other seniors in our community- all at no cost.”

NU-HOPE Elder Care Services currently provides a variety of nutrition and in-home services, including home delivered meals and group dining centers; assistance with bathing, homemaking, and shopping; telephone based safety monitoring; respite and caregiver support; the purchase of essential supplies and crisis energy assistance.

“Each year we assist over 400 seniors with these services,” adds Slade. “It’s a great start. But meeting with the participants at the NU-HOPE Golf Tournament allowed us to get great feedback as to what else is needed or will be needed in the years ahead. It is exciting to live in a community with so many concerned members who truly want to make a difference. We look forward to building on these connections in the near future and making our community even stronger.”

For more information on ways to support NU-HOPE’s efforts or how to access services for seniors, please contact NU-HOPE at (863) 382-2134.