Golfers Answer the Call to Help the YMCA

The sun finally burned off the overcast skies which had been threatening the anxious 123 golfers participating in the 31st Annual Marco YMCA Golf Fund Raiser last Saturday. The event took place at the JW Marriott course with golfers teeing off sharply at 8:30 AM after being welcomed and thanked for their continued support.

The proceeds from the Saturday event are focused on supporting numerous programs for children, including after-school programming. This is especially essential for working families, providing a safe environment until they can be picked up by a parent after the end of their workday. Funding provided through events such as these ensures the necessary income assistance to those in need of scholarships for those programs, and no child is turned away.

The Greater Marco YMCA, which has now been joined with the Naples branch, is now operated as the Collier County YMCA under the leadership of Cindy Love-Abounader, who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer. Abounader had been the previous longtime CEO of the Greater Marco YMCA. Under the new organizational structure, both the North Campus (Naples) and South Campus (Marco) run their own autonomous programming, but share the expensive administrative overhead, making for a more efficient use of capital.

“Each of us shares our time, energy, and focus on strengthening our communities through helping kids reach their potential, encouraging healthy living for all ages, and giving back to our neighbors. Of course, we welcome members of the Collier County community to drop by and see what goes on at both our campuses and consider becoming a member of the Y or volunteering in their programs,” said Abounader.

As the golfers finished their rounds, they gathered at the Club House at the Rookery Bay course and enjoyed a great feast, some liquid refreshments, and a few humorous stories, prior to the tallying of scores and announcement of prize winners.