It was a beautiful afternoon at the Chiefland Golf Course where the Cedar Key Golf Tournament to benefit the Cedar Key Fire and Rescue was held. Four friends initiated the Cedar Key Golf Tournament: Joe and Betty Chambers and Bob and Debbie Pascura. It was the first year Joe and Betty lived here and they were impressed with Cedar Key. Cedar Key was a community and Joe and Betty enjoyed the feeling of belonging. Joe and Bob were golfing partners and, lo and behold, the two noticed there were no golf tournaments. The four friends discussed it and the tournament was born. When approached to use the Big Deck for the golf after party, Brian Skarupski also offered to provide all the food and still does.
The first year the Chambers and Pascuras thought they might be able to raise around $500. The organizers were shocked at the response. The first year the donation to the library was $2,200. The tournament grew and the second year over $5,000 was donated to the Library. The original plan had been to help multiple organizations. However, after Hermine, it was decided to donate the proceeds once again to the library. This year has been the largest ever, 88 players making up 22 teams. This year’s fund has been dedicated to the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Registration volunteers included Sue Wooley, Nita Cox, Becky La Fountain, Amy Gernhardt, and Donna Bushnell.
What will the fire department do with the donation? Fire Chief Robert Robinson said the department had several factors to consider. First, how much the donation turns out to be. Second, can the Fire Department get grants or matching funds for some of the needed items. One item Chief says the Fire Department is looking at is a car stabilizer. Chief Robinson stated the Fire Department had received a grant last year for extraction tools but did not have enough to purchase the car stabilizer. The stabilizer would make extractions safer for the victim and the firemen.
After enjoying the round of golf, the golfers proceeded to the Big Deck for Beaufort Boil, as only Ricky Cook can make. Joe Chambers thanked the golfers for participation. Chambers thanked Brian and Darlene of the Big Deck and The Market for their help in the tournament. A special thanks to all the sponsors, including Drummond Bank, Norm Fugate PA – Law Firm, Pelican Realty, Robert Mount Jr. DDS, Mark Braun and the Cedar Key Eagles Club. A 50-50 drawing was put together on the spur of the moment and $300 was raised, splitting the proceeds between the winner Todd Carter and the Fire Department. The results of the tournament were announced. First place 56, a 16 under par, was team Nature Coast Realty consisting of Milt Gillis, Skipper Henderson, Joe Brinkman, and Alden Ringer. Second place was a tie between Team Manatee and Team Current Champs. Due to an eagle on the 18, John Ferguson, Ken Anderson, Tony Weeks, and Ron Weidron of Team Manatee were second. All golfers received a prize. Big prize or little prize, the golfers had a great day helped a great cause.
Pictured here are:
Photo One: Cedar Key Eagles, Wayne Mydinski, Luke Lukehart, Richie Anderson, Steve McClintich, showing their support of the Fire Department both by being a sponsor and by participating in the event. The Cedar Key Eagles are one of the generous organizations that support Cedar Key and its residents year round.
Photo Two: Peter Stefani and John Amis are representing Sysco. Sysco is another sponsor of the event, showing support of the Cedar Key Fire Department.
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