Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) celebrated a remarkable success at its inaugural Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, June 29, raising over $75,000 to support ECTC’s Youth Education Programs. Held at the Burnt Pine Golf Club in Sandestin, the sold-out tournament brought together local businesses, golf enthusiasts, and arts supporters for an afternoon of philanthropy, fun, and friendly competition on one of Florida’s best courses. As a result of the overwhelming response from sponsors, participants, and volunteers, ECTC is proud to announce the tournament will become an annual fundraising tradition.
The tournament kicked off with the national anthem from ECTC students and lunch from Firehouse Subs, and featured specialty food and beverage stations throughout the course from Cantina Laredo, Vin’tij Food and Wine, Lost Pizza, Perla Bakery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Birdie Cocktails, Hello Sugar, and Odd Pelican Beer Company. The afternoon was filled with interactive on-course games including a fan-favorite where players donned the iconic red wig from Annie to tee off from the youth tee as well as being hilariously heckled by comedians with a megaphone from Panama City Comedy. Golfers also enjoyed exciting raffle prizes, including tickets to the 30A Songwriters Festival courtesy of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, a Hole-In-One Challenge for a Rolex watch courtesy of McCaskill & Company and top three placement prizes sponsored by Grand Boulevard. Following play, guests gathered for an awards celebration and dinner from 98 BBQ to commemorate the inaugural event’s outstanding impact.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of everyone who made this day a success,” said Nathanael Fisher, ECTC’s Producing Artistic Director. “To see our community come together in support of arts education and help raise more than $75,000 for our youth programs is truly inspiring. We’re thrilled that this incredible response has laid the foundation for what will now become an annual outing.”
Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit ECTC Youth Education Programs by funding scholarships, teaching artists, props and costumes for summer camps and after-school classes, student matinees, and other educational initiatives that inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration in students of all ages. The funds will also help increase access to arts education through reduced tuition assistance and expanded outreach opportunities for schools across the region.
ECTC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants whose support made the inaugural tournament an overwhelming success. Special thanks go to presenting supporters Alice and Jerry Zich, as well as Jim and Tammy Pierce, Chancey Architecture and Interior Design, Geopoint Surveying, Sport by The Seaside Style, McGill Escrow & Title, Shades Bar & Grill, Cynthia Kennedy with The Agency, Cafe Thirty-A, Vin’tij Food and Wine, Jennifer Crawford with Own at the Beach Keller Williams, Dave and Jo Menary, Burnt Pine Golf Club, and the many local businesses that donated raffle items, food, beverages, and on-course experiences.
As a non-profit organization, with only about 60% of its revenue coming from ticket sales and tuition income, ECTC relies on the generosity of donors and the success of fundraising events like the golf fundraiser. Community support helps ensure the organization can continue providing high quality, professional and educational programming in order to serve the Emerald Coast with excellence. To make a tax-deductible donation, join as a sponsor, or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, call (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
