Paddy Murphy’s Foundation Golf Tournament a Winner

Paddy Murphy's Foundation’s Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament was, to put it in terms appropriate to the sport, like a long, straight drive that kisses the green before stopping a mere hairsbreadth from the cup.  

Held recently at Lely Resort Golf and Country Club, the event saw about 120 golfers take to the links for the fundraiser, which generated about $25,000 for charity on Marco Island.  

“We raised quite a bit of money for the first year. It was a huge success,” said Michael “Moose” O’Regan, co-owner of Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, located in Marco Town Center. “We had a lot of vendors who donated prizes. We had 50-50raffles and putting contests, and then we had everybody back to Paddy Murphy's for a lunch buffet.” 

Roughly$8,000 of the proceeds were donated to help defray the staggering medical bills Candice Simmons, co-owner of Big Al’s Deli, has accumulated since the spring of 2024.  

In March of that year, she was hospitalized after holes in her colon led to sepsis (an immune system overreaction infection that causes widespread inflammation and organ damage) and left her kidneys and liver on the verge of shutting down. Surgery removed portions of her colon, and multiple days in intensive care followed. Today, Simmons is doing well. But without health insurance, continuing doctor’s appointments and a subsequent colon surgery have left her facing a crushing financial burden. 

Her plight led the foundation’s board to select her as the primary recipient of the tournament’s charitable donations. Simmons was surprised and deeply moved at being chosen.  

“I couldn't believe it when they contacted me,” she said. “I felt like I was dreaming. I’m so grateful. “You know, it’ made me really feel loved. It's really, really amazing that they all came together and did this. This is really, really helping me a lot. I’m beyond thankful for this gift.” 

Simmons also expressed appreciation for the overall support she’s received. 

“I can't believe the outpouring of love that I've had from the Marco Island community,” she said. “Even before this, everybody has been coming into the deli and taking care of me. Like, it really makes you think. It's an eye-opener when something tragic like this happens and people are really there for you.” 

About $15,000 was dedicated to the overhead necessary to put on the tourney. However, another$1,000 was donated to two financially challenged families whose children attend Marco Charter Middle School.  

“My wife (realtor Mary Jo O’Regan) used to teach there,” said O’Regan. “She reached out to the principal (Margo Heidenreich) on the best place for the money to go and she said, “There are a couple of families that have trouble with school fees. You can also make it up in volunteer hours, but there are a lot of families that work on the farms; they work two jobs and don't have time for the volunteer hours. So, we will be able to sponsor two families so they can attend Marco Island Charter Middle School.” 

The foundation was established in late July - early August. The nonprofit’s mission statement calls for improving “the lives of those in need through charitable giving. We are dedicated to supporting various programs and initiatives that promote health, education, and well-being in our community.”  

Finishing first in the tournament was the foursome of Sean Shea, Neil Stone IV, Neil Stone V, and Kieran Freshwater. 

As for the future, the foundation is looking at expanding beyond golf tournaments.  

“We were thinking of doing a fishing tournament or poker runs or, you know, various things throughout the year toraise money and give back to the community and whoever needs it,” explained O’Regan.  

To learn more about the Paddy Murphy’s Foundation and its upcoming events, please visit https://paddymurphysfoundation.org/.