The Charity Pro-Am at this week’s 15th Annual Ocala Open raised $80,000 for two local charity organizations.
The Pro-Am event, which was held Tuesday, paired amateur golfers with one Ocala Open golf professional to test the Candler Hills Golf Club course layout. Players got tips straight from the professionals and could feel good about a day on the greens, with all proceeds benefitting Hospice of Marion County Inc. and Interfaith Emergency Services.
To date, the Ocala Open has donated more than $733,000 to local charities in the community.
“The Pro-Am is the most important element of the Ocala Open,” said Matt Hibbs, director of golf for Candler Hills Golf Club. “Annually, the Pro-Am is the largest fundraiser in Ocala.”
This year, the Ocala Open Charity Pro-Am raised $80,000, allowing sponsor On Top of the World to write both Hospice of Marion County Inc. and Interfaith Emergency Services checks for $40,000. Both organizations are local non-profits in the community that provide support for area residents in need.
Hospice of Marion County Inc. offers compassionate care for terminally ill patients and supports patient’s families and caregivers. Interfaith Emergency Services provides necessities and emergency financial assistance to anyone in need without being discriminative of race or religion.
“Both of these organizations have been supporting our community for many years, especially during the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Hibbs said. “We feel strongly the money raised should be used to support organizations whose roots are in Marion County.”
The 15th Annual Ocala Open once again exceeded expectations by beating last year’s raised funds. The staff at Candler Hills Golf Club offered thanks to the generous support of various local businesses, including Platinum Partner 360 Wealth Management Group of Raymond James.
For more information on the Ocala Open, visit www.ocalaopen.com.