BRADENTON – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce held it 27th annual fundraising golf tournament on Friday, May 8, at the IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton.
The foursome representing the Cablish & Gentile certified public accounting firm won the best-ball, scramble-style tournament and they earned two free rounds of golf for their winning round.
Finishing second was the foursome representing the Manatee County Government that included Elliott Falcione, Brian Parnell, Rob Wenzel and County Commissioner Mike Rahn. The Manatee County Government team also won the putting contest.
Finishing third was the foursome representing Kern & Gilder Construction/Island Kitchens & Baths.
Utilizing a shotgun start, the tournament began at 1:30 p.m. after the golfers enjoyed a pre-tournament lunch in the outdoor registration area.
Before the tournament began, a fundraising helicopter golf ball drop took place in front of the driving range. At approximately 1 p.m., a helicopter from Sarasota Helicopter Services hovered over the makeshift flag and pin and LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air owner Karen LaPensee tossed the bright green golf balls out of the helicopter and onto the designated green area below. Ball #317 landed in the cup, but no one purchased that ball in advance. No one purchased the ball that landed closest to the pin either, so no one won the $1,000 cash prize.
Likewise, none of the golfers scored a hole-in-one on hole 3, which would have earned them $50,000 toward the purchase or lease of a Cadillac from Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton.
The tournament was followed by an awards ceremony and dinner banquet in the banquet room.
The annual golf tournament was one of the last Chamber events for Chamber President Terri Kinder, who is retiring on May 29.
