Gala-goers, golfers and supporters gear up

for The Immokalee Foundation’s 2019 Charity Classic events

Jerry and Janet Belle, The Immokalee Foundation Charity Classic Celebration 2019 Co-Chairs

by Noemi Y. Perez

Staff, volunteers, donors and students will celebrate “The Magic of Immokalee” on several occasions as The Immokalee Foundation holds its annual Charity Classic events in November. Talented students with great potential but limited resources will see a community come out in support of their futures with a golf tournament, gala dinner and fundraising auction.

Co-chairs Barbara and Dale Morrison and Janet and Jerry Belle will welcome guests to the 2019 Charity Classic Celebration Friday, November 8, at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

The evening of dinner and dancing includes a recap of the foundation’s important work over the past year and introductions to several of the foundation’s impressive students. The event highlight will be the Fund A Dream auction, a unique live bidding experience that allows donors to contribute to Immokalee’s children in specific and tangible ways.

The auction features scholarships and future career experiences that forge important pathways for Immokalee youth through the foundation’s new career model, “Rewarding Careers in the New Economy.”

Based on extensive research of in demand professions in Southwest Florida, the comprehensive, all new curriculum helps students follow an educational and experiential pathway to their chosen career. The model recognizes that many well paying jobs are available to students who earn industry recognized certifications and credentials, in addition to professions that require two- and four-year college degrees.

TIF 2018 and 2019 Charity Classic Pro-Am Chair Sunny Sapiente (right) with golf pros Annika Sorenstam and Paul Azinger

Amateur and professional golfers will attend a pairings party Sunday, November 10, at Bay Colony Golf Club in preparation for the Charity Classic Pro-Am Tournament Monday, November 11, at The Old Collier Golf Club.

Each year, Southwest Florida’s most philanthropic golfers sign up for the scramble tournament to play with some of the world’s most well-known male and female golf professionals. Sunny Sapiente will once again chair the golf tournament, which includes breakfast, lunch, a golf clinic and awards presentation.

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, its signature events, becoming a mentor, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.

Noemi Y. Perez, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation, can be reached at noemi.perez@immokaleefoundation.org.