For the second year in a row, the SERVPRO Annual Convention Golf Tournament raised funds to benefit brand partner First Responder Children’s Foundation (FRCF). This year’s event more than doubled last year’s donation, raising a total of $53,970.
More than 150 golfers from across the SERVPRO franchise system participated in the sold-out event held at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Florida. The tournament helped kick off SERVPRO’s 54th Convention.
“Each year, the Convention Golf Tournament is a great way to kick off the week by reconnecting and sharing fellowship with members of the SERVPRO system,” said SERVPRO CEO Rick Isaacson. “Add in the competition, the camaraderie, and the fact that it was all for a great cause, and this year’s tournament was one of the best yet.”
"First Responders Children's Foundation is profoundly grateful to SERVPRO and its dedicated franchisees for their unwavering commitment to supporting U.S. first responders and their families,” said Jillian Crane, President & CEO of FRCF. “Throughout our journey together, SERVPRO has shown incredible support through scholarships, financial hardship grants, and National First Responder Day events. SERVPRO even partnered with FRCF to provide crucial disaster relief support to first responder families in response to Hurricane Ian in Lee County, Florida. FRCF deeply values its partnership with SERVPRO and cherishes the opportunity to stand alongside them, both on the golf links and in our shared mission of serving those who serve us."
In addition to funds raised from tournament registration, players had several opportunities to donate to FRCF on the course, including the chance to have SERVPRO Ambassador and LPGA Tour professional Emma Talley take a swing on their behalf. Golfers could purchase the opportunity to throw a frisbee and tee off from its landing spot, pay to “pin the mustache” on a cardboard cutout of a SERVPRO teammate, or bid on several items during a silent auction, such as first-class vacation packages and other unique items.
In 2022, SERVPRO donated more than $250,000 to FRCF which it used to provide scholarships to children of first responders who were killed in the line of duty, to provide holiday toys at several “Toy Express” events across the country, to help support National First Responders Day, as well as help FRCF establish a disaster relief fund that provided grants and disaster remediation services to dozens of first responders in Lee County, Florida, whose property was damaged during Hurricane Ian.
“Since partnering with First Responders Children’s Foundation, we have seen the great work they do for first responder families and their communities,” Isaacson added. “We are committed to doing anything we can to help their mission and support their goals.”
FRCF scholarship recipient Javier Perez spoke prior to the tournament’s start. He spoke about how inspired he was by his father’s military service and how receiving his scholarship impacted his career path.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend college thanks to the generosity of FRCF and partners like SERVPRO,” Perez said. “I don’t look at [the scholarship] like a gift; I think of it as an investment in me and my community. FRCF and SERVPRO have invested in my education, and I intend to pay that investment back by becoming a district attorney when I graduate.”
To donate, text “SERVPRO” to 24365 or visit the First Responders Children’s Foundation donation page. Check the “Give Local” box to ensure your funds go to support the families of first responders in your community.
