Naples Lakes Country Club

2022 Golf Tournament

Supporting Home Base of Florida

On Sunday, October 30, Naples Lakes hosted its 3rd annual golf tournament to benefit Home Base Florida. In the days leading up to and including the day of golf, more than $46,000 was raised.  Naples Lakes' support of Home Base started in 2019 with an Army/Navy football event.  That first event, followed by three golf tournaments, has raised $129,000 to help our veterans in the area through Home Base.

But the golfers found more than a challenging golf course in pristine condition. Each of the holes had signs showing the many hole sponsors of our members and of businesses who showed their support.

The Golden Gate Jr. ROTC presented colors as our own Gary Tincu sang the National Anthem and led the many people in attendance with the Pledge of Allegiance. Jason Cooper of Home Base and Pat Laird made some opening remarks before the golfers scattered onto our course.

Golfers and passers-by were greeted on the 8th tee by 24 Jr. R.O.T.C. cadets ready to do push-ups, for a price.

These young future leaders raised over $1,800 over the course the day.  50% of the day's earnings went to Home Base and 50% went to help the Jr. R.O.T.C. program at Golden Gate High School. Col. Ian Falk (ret.) of Naples Lakes heads up that program.

At the 15th hole, golfers were greeted by volunteers running a competition. For a donation for a Jell-O shot, golfers had a chance to win a pot of money if they hit their ball in a circle around the pin. No one was a loser because the Jell-O contained some secret spirits selected by our premier bartender, Mike. It was called Shot-for-Shot and this event, led by Cindy Sauer, raised over $1,000. 


So every team would have an equal chance on our difficult 18th hole, Jake Myers and Evan Holewinski offered their services to hit each team's drive, for a price. Jake and Evan raised $705 for Home Base.


In the days leading up to and the entire day of our tournament, there was a silent auction. Thanks to many area Golf Clubs, restaurants, and businesses, we raised over $11,000.

Gail Tillinghast brought this all together and invested many hours to make this year's Silent Auction such a big success.

The closing event was in our Clubhouse, and we had a full house. The evening was hosted by John Harrison and the evening started off with everyone recognizing all of our branches of service with the songs of each. A letter from Senator Rick Scott was read.  (CLICK HERE for the letter.) We heard from a veteran who has participated in the program. District 1 Country Commissioner Rick LoCastro was on hand to make some remarks, reflecting on his 24 years of service in the military. Joe Johnston ended the festivities with the playing of Taps. 

The day after our event, Commissioner LoCastro included in his newsletter his impression of our event.  CLICK HERE for that section of his newsletter.

Events like this would not be possible were it not for the hard work of the many volunteers as well as the management and staff at Naples Lakes. Our thanks go to everyone who helped make this event a great success.




Naples Lakes Steering Committee


Maggie Brooks

Mark Ferencz

John Harrison (Co-Chair)

Pat Laird (Co-Chair)

Nancy MacDonald

Rick Myers

Jim Pusateri

Cindy Sauer

David Starman

Gail Tillinghast

Camille Walton

Peter Vicinanzo