IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament tees off for Give Kids The World
A beautiful, crisp morning was the perfect setting for the renewal of the IAAPA International Charity Golf Tournament early Sunday on the Shingle Creek Golf Course in Orlando, Florida.
The annual tournament, one of the first events of IAAPA Expo 2021, returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event benefits Give Kids The World Village in nearby Kissimmee, a resort that provides lodging and entertainment to children with critical illnesses and their families. Players expressed genuine glee at being able to play in the golf tournament once again with friends and colleagues they may not have seen since 2019.
“This is just a great way to reconnect with everyone—it’s great to see people again and to do this for such a great cause,” said Franceen Gonzales, chief experience officer for WhiteWater.
Gina Claassen, corporate safety director at Herschend Family Entertainment, agreed, saying, “This is a great kickoff for the week, and it’s for an awesome cause. I was an IAAPA Show Ambassador in 2001 and have been involved with this great tournament since the beginning.”
Hank Salemi, president of Six Flags Great America, has also participated in the tournament throughout its history, and he enjoyed the chance to give to a good cause.
“There’s just nothing better that you can support in our industry than Give Kids The World,” he said. “We all have a great time together, and it’s a great charity.”
But even for first-time participant Haleigh Guerrero, the significance of the tournament and its mission were not lost.
“I work at Cedar Point, and I’m now going to Bowling Green State University for resort and attraction management,” she said. “They informed us of this great opportunity to come to the Expo and support the charity.”
Walter Bowser, vice president of Baynum Painting, has been playing in the tournament since its inception, and he revealed that it inspired Baynum to do a tournament of its own.
“We just love to support the fantastic organization and the great cause, the kids,” he said. “We actually started a local tournament of our own in Cincinnati to benefit Give Kids The World. We’re going to reach out to a bunch of folks to get them to do the same thing at their local clubs throughout the year.”
Jeff Hudson of HB Leisure, who co-chairs the golf tournament, along with Bill Alter of W.A. Alter Inc., expressed his sincere appreciation to all the tournament participants and supporters, and recognized one contributor in particular.
“Great Coasters International is our Ace Partner for the tournament,” Hudson said, “and made a very substantial contribution to help make it possible.”