by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
This year’s Gala on the Green may be geared to golfers, but there will be something for everyone at the Northeast Florida Builders Association annual charity event Nov. 11 at the Sawgrass Marriott.
NEFBA’s Galas are much anticipated and well-known for their lively entertainment, sumptuous food and exciting bidding for grand products and services.
“We are so excited about this year’s Gala,” said Linda Hutchins of LandMar, chair of this year’s event. “The venue is going to give a great opportunity to capitalize on what is undoubtedly a very popular activity in this area – golf.”
One way the Gala is capitalizing on the golf theme is a separate raffle offering a chance to play nine holes of golf with Hall of Fame member Gary Player at the Cypress Knoll Golf Club in Palm Coast next summer. Player is redesigning the course for the LandMar Group and will play nine holes with three raffle winners in conjunction with the course’s opening celebration next summer.
The raffle and the proceeds of the Gala benefit local charities – the Monique Burr Foundation, NEFBA Builders Care and the Arnold Tritt Scholarship Fund.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those three lucky winners,” Hutchins said. “Gary Player is one of the all-time top golfers.”
Player, who was born in South Africa, is one of golf’s “Modern Triumvirate,” along with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. The three dominated world golf during the 1960s and early 1970s, earning them the title and a place in the record books.
Player won his first British Open in 1959, also his first victory in a major. He was the youngest winner of that prestigious championship at that time. This year marks the 40th anniversary since Player completed his grand slam by winning the U.S. Open in 1965, a feat only five golfers have achieved.
With 163 championships over a 50-year period, Player has worldwide career earnings of more than $12 million. His nine major championship wins include three Masters (1961, 1974, 1978), three British Opens (1959, 1968 and 1974), two PGA Championships (1962 and 1972) and the U.S. Open (1965).
Dubbed the “Black Knight” because of his fondness for wearing black on the golf course, Player also is an accomplished golf course designer.
To purchase raffle tickets, call Portland Stuart at NEFBA, 421-0298, or check with local golf shops for ticket information. Raffle tickets are $20 each.
Gala tickets are $125 each. Ticket holders are eligible for the grand prize – a Hawaiian golf package valued at more than $10,000. The package includes golf for two at Mekena South Course, Mekena, Maui, Hawaii, a seven-night cruise for two on Norwegian Line’s Pride of America and much more – including $2,000 spending money.
Other items will be auctioned at the Gala, including a golf cart, a full set of clubs and bag, Arnold Palmer-signed memorabilia and rounds of golf at premier courses in the area.
Gala tickets are also available from Portland Stuart at NEFBA, 421-0298.
Gala Sponsors
Richmond American Homes
The LandMar Group
D.R. Horton
King Engineering
Providence Homes by Bill Cellar
Bank of America
Compass Bank
Washington Mutual