By Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
You couldn't blame people if they didn't recognize Andrew Riley of EverBank when he stepped up to the red tee at the Windsor Parke Golf Club.
There he was, dressed in a grass skirt, red pigtail wig and a coconut bra, getting ready to hit from the women's tee at the inaugural Mortgage Bankers Association of Jacksonville's golf tournament held at the Windsor Parke Golf Club.
By dressing like a woman and donating $5 or more to the Mortgage Political Action Committee, Riley and 56 other male golfers were able to hit from the women's tees for the long-drive contest, giving them a bonus of 40 yards.
Ty Bednarski of My Ty Design won the contest.
"I absolutely feel moving up helped," said Bednarski.
Bednarski said he was asked if he wanted to donate money and be able to move up to the women's tee. He agreed, but then was asked to put on the crazy outfit.
"It added a level of complexity to moving up to the forward tees," he said. "It was hard to hit the ball with the coconuts in the way and it made me focus on my swing more."
He said there was increased pressure to make his drive as strong as possible and to make the decision to dress up more worthwhile.
More than 100 golfers participated in the all-day event.
Randy Galloway, president of the MBA of Jacksonville, said he wanted to have a day where the members and guests could come together and network with each other.
"These events can be so much fun and allow folks to relax, enjoy mingling with peers and just take a day for fun," he said.
The real estate industry has been through a lot over the past six or so years and Galloway said he wanted to bring everyone together for a common cause.
"It is rare that bankers, lenders, mortgage originators, wholesalers, correspondent lenders, title companies, insurance agents, inspectors, pest companies, closing attorney's and Realtors all come together for one event and cause," he said.
Galloway said the event was a huge success and he is excited to continue it on a yearly basis.
The total amount raised was not available, but Galloway said $1,580 was donated to the Wounded Warrior Project and $307 was donated to MPAC. The rest will go to the MBA of Jacksonville.
The winners
First place, Total Title Solutions Team: Marc Jernigan of Watson Realty Corp. Fleming Island, Jeff Stoneking of Brightway Insurance, Diane Cook of Exit Real Estate Gallery and Andrew Bell of Watson Realty.
Second place, Team LPS: Jeff Wiley, Andy Bragg, Mike Jurkovich and Logan James of Lender Processing Services, Inc.
Third place, Team EverBank: Tom Reber, Bill Dodge, Jeanette Kohlas and Dawn Wallace of EverBank.
Ladies closest to the pin: Lori Mieczkowski of Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty.
Ladies long drive: Jeanette Kohlhaas of Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty.
Men's closest to the pin: Matt Allen of Wells Fargo.
Men's long drive: Ty Bednarski of My Ty Design.
Putting contest:
First place: Joe Freismuth of Country Place Mortgage.
Second place: Wade Hamby of The StoneHill Group.
Third place: Mike Kessler of Michael H. Kessler, DDS.