Golf tournament supports kids in need

Armando Llechu, Kathryn Kelly, David Vasquez. Tracie Bagans, Jan-Erik Hustrulid and Susan Scott COURTESY PHOTO

Take a swing at helping children attending The Heights Center Early Learning program.

The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee it up FORE Kids,” will take place Friday, April 12, at the Shell Point Golf Club.

The tournament honors Scott, a longtime board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning (formerly GLAD Kids). The event’s proceeds benefit The Heights Center Early Learning, which serves more than 80 children from birth through age four. A part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, The Heights Center Early Learning strives to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare. Children read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents provide for their families.

Last year’s event raised $57,500.

Event sponsors include Owen Ames-Kimball, RG Architects, Fine- Mark National Bank & Trust, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Green Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP, and The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.

Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m., with lunch and awards at St. Charles Yacht Club following the tournament.

“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Kathryn Kelly, founder, president and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “The Heights Center Early Learning provides a stable, nurturing environment and enables parents to work while their kids are cared for and safe.”

Tournament registration is now available. The registration deadline is Friday, April 5.

Registration is $175 per golfer or $650 for a foursome. In addition, sponsorships that include golf packages and recognition are available. For more information, visit www.heightsfoundation.org/forthekids or call Annie Campbell at 239-482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org .

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.

Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 155 children in AfterSchool and 153 children in SummerCamp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.

Approximately 923 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 81% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 4% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood. ¦

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