Hope Villages of America Announces Celebrity Classic Weekend Events
Independent nonprofit Hope Villages of America, formerly RCS Pinellas, invites golfers and families to join them for three days of celeb-filled fun for a good cause!
After a year of virtual events and social distancing, Hope Villages President and CEO Kirk Ray Smith is pleased to gather golfers and bowlers of all ages for the 2021 Celebrity Classic Weekend, three fun-filled days of sports and community support:
“2020 brought us many ‘firsts,’” Smith said. “First virtual events, first silent auctions, first video keynotes. I’m so proud of the way our staff, event committee members and silent auction sponsors stepped up to make this happen, but we’re all thrilled to meet face-to-face again on the links and lanes!”
The three-day-extravaganza will kick off on Saturday, June 5, with a VIP social hosted by presenting sponsor Siracusa Staffing and Leasing. Sunday, June 6, is a day for family fun at Liberty Lanes, where you can bowl with the event’s celebrity hosts. Monday, June 7, will find foursomes teeing off with celebrities at Innisbrook Golf Resort, with the added chance to compete to beat the pro and make the longest drive.
The 2021 Celebrity Classic Weekend is proudly presented by Siracusa Staffing & Leasing, with additional sponsorship by Innisbrook Golf resort and Liberty Lanes as well as well as Siracusa Staffing & Leasing, Solace Insurance, St. Pete College, Ultimate Medical Academy, Merit Electric and Andrus Development Group.
The ever-growing roster of local and national celebrities includes NBA legends Bruce Bowen and Travis Best, pro golfer Shasta Averyhardt, ABC Action News anchor James Tully, world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips and retired local news anchor Reggie Roundtree.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be in lockstep with an organization the like of Hope Villages of America — an organization understanding hearts and minds, truly grasping life and humanity in a pursuit to lend a helping hand,” said former NBA player Travis Best of his decision to participate.
“Although we are dealing with a pandemic, I’m glad to see that the Celebrity Classic Weekend returning for 2021. We’re going to be mindful of social distancing while enjoying a great weekend of events and a beautiful day of golf and — more importantly — raise much needed funds for Hope Villages of America! We are all in this together and if we can help others in need during difficult times, then that’s what needs to be done. It’s a priority,” shared pro golfer and celebrity host Shasta Averyhart.
Proceeds from the weekend will support individuals, seniors and families throughout the year. Hope Villages serves hundreds of families each year by providing a spectrum of housing stability services that meet Pinellas County residents at their moment of need. “The Haven provides emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors — and a new start in life. Grace House provides 80 — or one-half — of the family shelter beds in the County,” Smith explained, “and provides dignified apartment-style emergency shelter to homeless families with children for up to two months. Goldsmith Gardens offers an affordable housing option to our participants as a ‘next step’ in their journey to self-sufficiency. None of these programs would be here without the support of those who live here and give here through events like our Celebrity Classic Weekend.”
Anyone interested in registering to bowl or play golf can do so at hopevillagesofamerica.org/celebrity-classic-weekend. Sponsorship opportunities ranging from holes at Innisbrook and lanes at Liberty Lanes to lunch, shirt and goody bag sponsors are available at the same link.
