A Great Round of Fundraising: The City of Winter Haven Hosts a Golf Tournament Fundraiser for Juneteenth Celebration
On the morning of June 9th, registered teams gathered their clubs, balls, and tees, and rode out onto the Willowbrook Golf Course with hopes of hitting a hole in one. The skies were clear and full of Florida sun, making it a perfect day to enjoy some golf and fundraising with familiar Winter Haven faces. “The event is in support of the second annual Juneteenth Celebration that is happening on June 18th,” said George Tinsley, Jr., a key Juneteenth Celebration committee member. “The Golf Tournament allows us to raise some money, gain support, and spread awareness about Juneteenth and its cultural significance.” The history of Juneteenth goes back to the late 1800s. On June 19th, 1865, two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and free all enslaved people. Also known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrating Juneteenth means celebrating the liberation of enslaved African Americans, recognizing the painful reality of U.S history, and empowering the African American community as they continue to obtain equality, equity, and justice.
The golf course was full of smiling faces and enthusiastic participant’s eager to be a part of a greater cause. If you asked any of the participating teams why they chose to contribute, you were likely to be bombarded by a chorus of voices shouting “Juneteenth! That’s why!” or “Why, of course, we’re here for Juneteenth!” After golfing, players enjoyed some raffle prizes, food, and some old-fashioned fun while they cooled off from the heat.
Various holes on the course were accompanied by a sign honoring the tournament’s generous sponsors, including Advent Health, Intentional Wealth, the Tinsley Family, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, GiveWell, and Bernie Little Distributors, Inc. Event coordinator, Marissa Barnes, explained how the event sponsors play an integral role in the fundraising initiatives. The City of Winter Haven is thankful for all players, sponsors, and donors, whose contributions help catalyze positive change and awareness in our community.