Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Raises $76,825 for The Heights Center Early Learning

Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Raises $76,825 for The Heights Center Early Learning

(Fort Myers, Fla. – April 23, 2024) — The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee It Up FORE Kids,” benefiting The Heights Center Early Learning program, raised $76,825.  The annual tournament honors Scott, a long-time board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning.

The Heights Center Early Learning program, a vital initiative under The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center umbrella, serves over 80 children from birth to four years old.  Committed to providing quality and affordable childcare for low-income families in the area, the program has earned a prestigious five-star rating from The Early Learning Coalition.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support shown by our sponsors, participants, and volunteers at this year’s tournament,” remarked Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.  “Their contributions enable us to continue providing a stable and nurturing environment for children in need, empowering parents to work knowing their kids are well cared for and safe.”

Title sponsors were Susan Scott and The Masiello Family Foundation.  Pat Ostrom was the Trophy sponsor.  Birdie Sponsors were Lake Michigan Credit Union, Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, RG Architects, Chip and Nancy Roach, Jim & Cindy Dwyer, Neal & Sherry Halleran, Bill & Laurie Harkey, Judy & Gerry Risch, Bonitz, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Florida Gulf Coast University, Golisano Children’s Hospital/Lee Health,  Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, and Skanska.

The event took place on April 12 at Shell Point Golf Club in Fort Myers.  It included lunch at St. Charles Yacht Club, a raffle, and awards. 

The first place team was Jim Dwyer, Chris Dwyer, John Dwyer, and Jim Welch.  The second place team was Tom Lytton, Tim Vo, Mike Goins, Patrick Halvarson.  The third place team was Chris McLaughlin, Sean Guffey, Mason Covelli, and Steve Barman.  The closest to the pin men was John Muni and Women Beth Prather.  The longest drive men was Jim Dwyer and Women Megan Clipse.

The Heights Early Learning is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers 33908. For those interested in learning more about The Heights Center Early Learning program or supporting its mission, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or contact Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or via email at [email protected].

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.   Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.    The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.  

Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 155 children in AfterSchool and 153 children in SummerCamp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 923 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments.    Demographically, the population is approximately 81% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 4% Caucasian.    The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.