Golf Invitational & Charity Dinner Event Returns to Old Palm Golf Club, March 23-24

Palm Beach Gardens, FL – March 2014 – Ten years ago, Place of Hope supporters introduced their version of a South Florida fundraising staple, a golf tournament. What once was the Place of Hope Classic is now the popular Place of Hope Golf Invitational & Charity Dinner. For its 10^th anniversary, the event will return to the Old Palm Golf Club on March 23-24, 2014, when teams will socialize Sunday evening and hit the links Monday morning.

 Over the years, the tournament has welcomed such sports luminaries and legends as NFL Hall of Famer Bob Griese, former British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch, NFL legend Joe Namath and HBO “Real Sports” personality Bryant Gumbel.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the event, which is completely underwritten by presenting sponsors, support the organization’s various and expanding programs. Place of Hope’s programs serve Palm Beach County’s foster children, children in emergency situations, displaced siblings who want to be kept together, pregnant young women and young, single mothers, and families seeking to foster and/or adopt.

 In 2009, the committee began recognizing families who have gone above and beyond in their service to Place of Hope’s mission with the creation of Pande Family Award. The first award was presented to Maudie Pande and her son, Jim, generously dedicated time, money and effort to helping Place of Hope grow. For every year after, a new recipient who embodied their spirit was honored. In 2013, Debbie Butler of Palm Beach Gardens accepted the Pande Family Award on behalf of her and her late husband, Abbey J. Butler – both of whom mentored and guided Place of Hope youth for more than eight years.

 The 10^th Annual Golf Invitational & Charity Dinner welcomes Place of Hope supporters from across the country to raise operating funds for programs, housing, services and outreach. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-licensed child welfare organization that provides family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for domestic minor sexually trafficked victims; transitional housing and support services; adoption and foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect.

 The Place of Hope Golf Invitational & Charity Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. March 23, 2014, at Old Palm Golf Club with a dinner and auction event, followed with the golf tournament at 8 a.m. March 24, 2014, also at Old Palm Golf Club, 11089 Old Palm Drive, Palm Beach Gardens.

 For more information, please contact Sarah Livoti at Place of Hope, 561-775-7195, or visit www.placeofhope.com for sponsorship opportunities.