A Villages foursome proudly claimed victory at the Lily golf tournament Saturday in an event that benefits Alzheimer’s awareness and support.
The champions were Carol White of Hemingway, Jan Lathouwers of Polo Ridge, Donna Robertson of Winifred and Susie Waterson of Fernandia.
It was the 15th year of the tournament which was founded by Deb Schlofman in 2001 in Georgia to honor her mother, Lily Grace Schlofman, who passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. The tournament was moved to The Villages in 2006. Deb died in 2009.
Her friend Terry Peach picked up the torch and has been at the helm of the Lily ever since.
This year’s event raised $41,256.
Rain shortened Saturday’s event to just nine holes at Glenview Champions, home of the tournament for the past decade.
An awards banquet and dinner followed at Savannah Center.
“The best part of this tournament is the people. We have a lot of fun. People know why they are playing,” Peach said.
Fritzie Donaldson of the Village of Belle Aire won the closest-to-the-pin competition. In addition to a medal, she took home a new golf club.
Receiving a special award were Jean Hucke and Jodie Barber of Hacienda South who have been longtime volunteers with the Lily.
“This tournament is so important to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization,” said Dominick DePetrillo, executive director of AFO. “We could not do what we do locally without the Lily.”
Carolyn Davis of Jenkins Auto Group, the tournament sponsor, has witnessed what Alzheimer’s has done to her best friend’s mother and to family members of customers.
“That’s why we have been with the Lily for so many years,” Davis said. “We have to do what we can to battle Alzheimer’s.”
She said Jenkins will be back as the tournament’s title sponsor next year.
Dr. Michelle Zielecki of Southern Trace Chiropractic & Massage Center has been an event sponsor of the Lily for 10 years.
She also serves as the Lily’s chief photographer.
The Lily is set for July 16 in 2016.
Peach said she hopes to see more golfers from the southern end of The Villages will participate next year.
“We hope everyone will mark their calendars,” she said.
