Community Events

 
Rooney’s Golf Foundation 3^rd Annual Spring Golf Tournament will be held at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 8:30am.  The day’s events will include an 18-hole scramble tournament with a shotgun start followed by an awards ceremony, luncheon and incredible raffles.  Palm Beach Kennel Club and Rooney’s Beer Company will coordinate the tournament with a committee of RGF volunteers.  Proceeds from the tournament will benefit Autism Project of Palm Beach County, FAU Honors College, Greyhound Pet Adoption and Wounded Veterans Relief Fund.  Our honorary chair is Anthony Ianni, former NCCA basketball star and motivational speaker that raises awareness of autism and the problem of bullying*.  

“Each year we strive to make Rooney’s Golf Foundation Charity Golf Tournament a memorable event for our sponsors, players and most importantly our charities.  We are very excited to have Anthony Ianni as our chair this year and add a new local charity helping our local veterans (Wounded Veterans Relief Fund).  We hope you can join us for our spring tournament and help us raise money for the four amazing local charities,” said Alexis Barbish-Sommer, RGF Executive Director. 

The day begins with a 7am registration and breakfast and continues with an exciting shotgun start at 8:30am. Course contests include: closest to the pin, longest drive, team awards and a hole-in-one prize opportunity.  Lunch and awards will follow golf and incredible raffle prizes will be awarded.

To participate as a player, sponsor, purchase raffle tickets, make a donation or for more information, please contact Alexis Barbish-Sommer at 561-683-2222 ext. 146 or Patrick Sullivan 561-683-2222 ext. 140.
 
Rooney’s Golf Foundation has donated $787,427 to Palm Beach County charities since 2001.  These funds are raised through the two annual golf tournaments (since 2002), a 5K Run/Walk (2007), a poker tournament (2010) and the Overcomer luncheon (2014).  The 17th Annual RGF Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, October 29, 2018 at Trump Jupiter National Golf Club and the 5th Annual “Overcomer” Luncheon will be held Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the National Croquet Center.

Contact:  Theresa Hume, thume@pbkennelclub.com 561-683-2222, ext. 120
Sarah Mears, sarahm@pbkennelclub.com ext. 125
RooneysGolfFoundation.org

 
*About Anthony Ianni:
 
Anthony Ianni and his Relentless Tour - an initiative of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights - is one of the most sought-after anti-bullying and motivational programs.

At the age of 4, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a condition on the autism spectrum, and he was bullied as a child. Doctors told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never go to college or become an athlete, and would likely live in a group home when he grew up. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful, no matter what.

And he is. Despite the bullies, adversity and personal challenges, Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Michigan State University, he became the first athlete with autism to play Division I college basketball. At MSU, Anthony played for legendary coach Tom Izzo, winning two Big Ten Championships and a Big Ten Tournament Title, and was a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He was the recipient of the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On Award, the 2012 Unsung Player Award, and was named a 2013 Detroit Pistons Community Game Changer Finalist. 

Through the Relentless Tour, Anthony and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights seek to raise awareness of autism and the problem of bullying. Students with autism are frequently targeted by bullies, with an estimated 65% to 90% of individuals with autism having been bullied at some point in their lives.