On November 14th, 2022, supporters of Women In Distress (WID), joined together at the 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and raised over $250,000 to support programs to help survivors of domestic violence and their children get a fresh start.
Hosted by WID Board Member Phyllis Thomas, the event was held at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale with Presenting Sponsors UKG, Robinson’s Jewelers, and JM Family Enterprises. Major sponsors included The Thomas Family Foundation, David and Lynn Sobocinski, The Kelsey Group, Al and Maria Baker, Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Steve and Michele Ball, and The World Education Fund.
Since its inception, the Women In Distress Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1.5 million to continue the agency’s free and confidential services including emergency safe shelter, a 24-Hour crisis hotline, counseling, therapy, education, training and other programs to help families break the cycle of domestic violence. Last year, the agency served more than 2,400 women, men and children which included over 45,000 safe shelter nights-the highest number in its 48-year history.
The tournament’s theme, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” focused on WID’s Education and Prevention work in the community, especially its work with youth, to bring awareness to the characteristics of a healthy versus abusive relationship. The event showcased the fantastic peer-to-peer counseling work being done at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas by students who educate and support their peers who may be affecting by teen dating or domestic violence abuse. The program was started with the assistance and work of WID’s Education and Prevention team to empower students to work together and support each other.
“I recognize the important work WID does for the survivors of domestic violence. However, if we only just help survivors, we will never get to the root of the problem, which is preventing domestic violence abuse from ever happening,” stated Phyllis Thomas. “Educating our youth and the community on recognizing the behaviors that lead to domestic violence and how that it is never acceptable is so important. Women In Distress’ Education and Prevention team is one of the best, if not the best in the country.”
“One of the most gratifying parts of my role as CEO of Women In Distress is joining others who are passionate about our mission to end domestic violence. Not only have Phyllis and Al been incredible personal sponsors of WID, but Phyllis has also led the annual golf tournament as a labor of love. I can’t tell you how meaningful it is to have powerful community leaders like Phyllis and Al who boldly step forward and adopt WID’s mission as their own personal mission” added Dr. Linda Parker, President and CEO of Women In Distress.
THANK YOU TO ALL SPONSORS, GOLFERS, AND VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND PARTICIPATION IN MAKING OUR 9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT A GREAT SUCCESS.
For more information on sponsorships, please contact:
Jeffrey Metcalf, Director of Development
954-760-9800 ext. 1280 jmetcalf@womenindistress.org
For more information on the silent auction, please contact:
Maddison Clyne, Associate Director of Development, Events & Annual Fund
954-760-9800 x1436 mclyne@womenindistress.org
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