Page 79 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

Equally impressive, Buddenhagen said, is other member teams and 20N1aT5phelSesEPAlaSyOerNs
their obvious commitment to helping Immokalee’s youth – without
the accolades sometimes sought by benefactors. “People often get April 1 – April 25
caught up in an event’s prizes and start to stray from the purpose
of the fundraiser,” he said, noting that this wasn’t the case at TIF’s Wed – Sat 8:00 p.m.
Inter-Club Challenge. “Most folks aren’t doing it for a pat on the Sun 2:00 p.m.
back, which speaks to any good charity effort. It’s a fun day of golf,
but participants are more interested in working toward the end goal In Tobye Studio
of helping students succeed.”
Sponsored by:
As with a majority of TIF fundraisers, children are the focus. Each
year, students assist with the day’s activities and have the chance to An intimate collection of stories that takes a lighthearted and heartfelt peek
play with the teams – providing them with a great opportunity to into the lives of women and the clothes that conjure memories of their most
interact with their benefactors and pro golfers. Plus, it allows the significant life moments.
teams to meet the students whose lives they are directly impacting by
taking part in the tournament. The golfers often report that meeting TRhoemLaanscet April 22 – May 16
Immokalee’s youth is the best part of the day. Buddenhagen was
certainly delighted. Wed – Sat 8:00 p.m.
Sun 2:00 p.m.
“You get a chance to meet five or six students who are either in The
Immokalee Foundation’s programs or have gone through them,” he In Blackburn Hall
said. “It’s a great way for people to learn about the organization and
the difference it makes in the lives of these children.” Sponsored by:

The students who participate are equally as delighted. Alan What if? Everyone wonders what could have been, and Ralph, a widowed retiree,
Cuevas, a TIF Take Stock in Children participant, is a high school is no exception. A second chance at love brings new hope when Ralph unexpectedly
senior playing in his second Inter-Club Challenge. “I really liked takes a different path on his daily walk and meets Carol, an elegant dog lover. A
it last year, but I’m looking forward to some redemption,” Cuevas romantic comedy that illustrates that it’s never too late to make each day count.
laughed. “I didn’t do so well last year.”
Tickets: Love, Loss And What I Wore $30
In addition to having fun playing the game, Cuevas said he The Last Romance $35 12 times awarded
especially enjoys getting to know the pros and the people who donate Students 21 and under $10 “Best Live Theatre”
and make things possible for students like him. “You expect donors to
give money and that’s it,”he said.“But TIF donors are different – their Review us on
level of interest is amazing. They want to see who they’re investing in.
They want to hear our stories and get to know us.” Call 239-263-7990 or visit www.naplesplayers.org

Charity Gonzales, a senior at Immokalee High School, also will The Naples Players at Sugden CommunityTheatre • 701 5th Ave. South, Naples, FL 34102
participate in this year’s Inter-Club Challenge. Although this is her
fifth time playing in the tournament, she says she never tires of it.

“I meet new people every time we attend the tournament, and
I think it’s pretty cool that they pair us with a professional golfer,”
Gonzales says. “I always learn new tricks and techniques from the
pros, but my favorite part is having a good time on the golf course.”

Participation in the Inter-Club Challenge is $1,250 per golfer
or $5,000 per foursome. Registration, breakfast and driving range
practice begins at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:15 a.m. Lunch
starts at 1:30 p.m., where prizes will be awarded to the winning
men’s and women’s teams, as well as a closest to the pin. There also
are multiple underwriting opportunities available for individuals and
corporate partners, including hole sponsorships starting at $750 to
help raise additional funds for TIF’s mission in Immokalee.

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education
programs that focus on building pathways to success through college
and post-secondary preparation and support, mentoring and tutoring,
opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills development
leading to economic independence.To learn more about TIF, the Inter-
Club Challenge,volunteering as a mentor or for additional information,
call 239.430.9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

Steven Kissinger, executive director of The Immokalee Foundation, can
be reached at steven.kissinger@immokaleefoundation.com.

Life in Naples | April 2015 79