The Community took a big swing to benefit the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc.
Crazy Pants golfers at benefits.
The Florida Panthers Golf Team. (Inset: Charles Turrano receives plaque from Brian C. Johnson).
By Vern Dooling
The Second Annual E. Pat Larkins Golf Classic was held at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club on Friday, with this year’s Honorary Chair Mayor Wayne Messam (City of Miramar), State Senator Chris Smith, County Commissioner Dale Holness, City of Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie, and Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie on hand to enjoy the sunshine and show off their golf swings. Altogether nearly 130 golfers came to participate in the event benefitting the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc.
“It was an honor to serve as the honorary chair for this year’s E. Pat Larkin Golf Tournament. Minority contractors far too often face inequitable market conditions that prevent them from succeeding and I want to be a part of finding ways to establish equity. I support the MBC and all of the support services that help minority contractors create jobs and serve their clients. This golf tournament brings together the entire construction industry to help support this cause,” stated Mayor Wayne Messam of the city of Miramar – this year’s Honorary Chair.
The Florida Panthers Foundation served as the event’s title sponsor. They were joined by the city of Miramar and the Corradino Group as Platinum sponsors. “The Florida Panthers and its new leadership are committed to being a valuable part of the community in which we operate. We are pleased to be a partner to the Minority Builders Coalition, and we look forward to continuing our support of local small and minority businesses in the future,” said Charlie Turrano, executive vice president of the Florida Panthers.
Proceeds from the event go to support the many community economic development pro-grams facilitated by the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc. Nearly 46 years ago, the Minority Builders Coalition, Inc. (MBC) was founded by E. Pat Larkins and remains one of South Florida’s leading advocates for minority and small construction-related businesses.
Many minority contractors, particularly Black contractors, seeking to sustain or grow their business in spite of obstacles like discrimination, etc. continue to count on MBC for its advocacy, education and access to projects. Also, nearly 700 seniors per year receive no-cost home repair services from MBC’s Home Touch Program. Furthermore, MBC continues to be one of Broward County’s leading providers of home rehabilitation and affordable housing for low/moderate income families.
Brian C. Johnson, president and CEO of Minority Builders Coalition, stated that “we wanted to raise funds to support our mission in a way that our friends and supporters could enjoy supporting us without even realizing how much they are helping. This was really more like a family reunion on the golf course and we are eternally grateful for everyone who supported us through this event”.
In addition to golfing, the event featured an “off-the-green” experience which included free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Jack Daniels, free massages by Dr. Venessa Walker Chiropractic and Wellness Center, free facials by Select Edge Mobile Grooming Service and free fresh rolled cigars by Cuban Crafters.
The event was well supported by a host of sponsors including: Title Sponsor: The Florida Panthers; Platinum Sponsors: City of Miramar and the Corradino Group; Silver Sponsor: Heery International; Bronze Sponsors: D. Stephenson Construction, BACH Real Estate, King Security, Dickey Consulting, Keith & Associates, ANF Group, Florida Power & Light, Florida East Coast, Waste Pro, Coastal Construction, Stiles Construction, John Milledge P.A., and Walker Chiropractic and Wellness Center.
Auction items and door prizes were provided by Boyd Funeral Home, City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Miramar, Sagoma Construction, and Fun Filled Flights.
One hundred and twenty-eight players in total participated in the tournament. After golfing, an awards luncheon featured welcome addresses from Mayor Wayne Messam and others.
Prizes were given to players included first place, second place and third place team prizes, closest to the pin, and to the team with the worse score aka “the biggest loser” trophy.
The luncheon also featured a silent auction, prize giveaways and a “Crazy Pants” contest.
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