The Heights Foundation’s sixth annual benefit golf tournament “Swing Fore The Kids” at Old Corkscrew Golf Club on September 24 raised $44,000 for The Heights Foundation’s programs.. The programs work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers. The event included lunch, after golf hors d’ oeuvres, auction and awards. Presenting sponsors were Entech and Amazon. Additional sponsors included Surf 9, TECO Energy, Five County Insurance, FPL, Owen-Ames-Kimball Florida, First Horizon Bank, Gulfshore Cooling, and Beth Prather Elder Attorney.
“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Jim Sanger, Chief Operating Officer of The Heights Foundation. “This tournament supports programs at The Heights Center including School Success and our enriching summer camp.”
Buddy Martin, Jake Spanberger, Brian Miller, and Joe Botteron were the flight one winners. William Harkey, Roger Grogman, and Clark Rambo were the flight two winners.
The Heights Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers 33908. For more information call (239) 482-7706or visit www.heightsfoundation.org.
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The 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 age 4. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 120 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families cannot easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
