Villages entertainer Petrina’s recent iSparkle golf tournament raised $5,431 for scholarships – more than doubling the amount from last year’s event.
A total of 39 teams competed in the tourney, which was held Saturday, Sept. 28. It was the fifth year of the event launched by the popular entertainer who performs throughout The Villages.
The tournament was organized by Penny Schritz and played on three executive golf courses in The Villages – Pimlico, Belmont and Churchill greens. A scramble format was used, which proved to be popular with the many players involved.
After the tournament, the festivities moved to Evans Prairie Country Club, where Petrina performed for about 200 guests. Auctioneer Sue Diffenderffer was joined by team helpers Renee Scheide, Regina Coopersmith, Kate Wauters, Jill Friedman and Linda Sherman, who all worked hard to get 30 gift baskets and donations from local businesses.
Ten baskets were sold during a live auction and 20 others were awarded through silent auctions. One bidder paid $1,600 for Petrina to perform for an hour at a future date. The best dressed golf team received a $200 prize and $100 was awarded for the best decorated golf cart.
All of the money raised will be awarded through iSparkle scholarships. Those eligible to apply for the awards are high school seniors involved in efforts to create atmospheres of inclusion for their peers, particularly those prone to bullying or exclusion.
Applications need to apply by March 2020. Last year, a $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Sophia Schiavone, with $500 prizes going to two other students. Click HERE for more details.