Local MOAA raises over $30K at annual golf fundraiser
The Lee Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America raised over $30,000 for veteran programs and student scholarships at its 7th Annual Mackenzie-Janes Tribute Golf Outing.
Held on April 14 at the Shell Point Golf Club in Fort Myers, 144 golfers took part with one goal: to raise funds for the MOAA chapter’s programs, including Mission United 211 and Hearts and Homes for Veterans, along with scholarships for graduating JROTC cadets and veteran scholarships for Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College.
Lee County Commissioner Ray Sandelli, a former Blue Angels demonstration pilot, was the honorary chairman for this year’s event. The opening ceremony honoring the military was capped off with a special recognition of the oldest golfer participating — retired 1st Lt. Bill Reiff, 97, a decorated World War II P-51 Mustang fighter pilot and the proud holder of a 18 handicap.
This year’s event was renamed in honor of the 20-plus years of volunteer work by the local chapter’s former financial officer, Alex MacKenzie. MacKenzie was on hand day of to lend his experience.
Chapter President Terry Robertson expressed appreciation for the golfers who have taken part in the outing for the past seven years, along with the event donors. He noted that despite the different protocol challenges due to the pandemic, there were 60 hole sponsors and the maximum allowed 144 golfers.
Financial Officer Marilyn Leehan explained that the chapter tried something new this year. It accepted an offer from the Shell Point golf pro to drive the longest hole for an additional donation from each foursome, with the incentive of putting the names of all donating players into a drawing for a two-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shop and gift certificates from Shoeless Joe’s.
She added that the winning team donated the prize money back to the chapter’s foundation.
“There is no one way to express our sincerest thanks to everyone whose teamwork, in the face of COVID-19, won out for the 2021 outing,” event Co-Chairman retired Rear Adm. Roger Triftshauser.
He expressed his thanks to Shell Point Director of Golf Paul Fitzpatrick and the staff. Triftshauser also thanked the MOAA members, plus the planning and execution team of volunteers and hole watchers.
The Lee Coast Chapter of the MOAA was originally chartered on Sanibel.