Golf Classic Exceeds Goal for Children's Center

Brevard County residents came together for the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation Fran Gerrett Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, May 9 at La Cita Golf & Country Club. The event raised more than $32,000 for The Children’s Center in Titusville, exceeding the goal by more than $7,000.

More than 140 golfers participated in the tournament, which was named in memory of former Parrish Medical Center Materials Management Director Fran Gerrett. “Fran was so generous and one of the biggest supporters of The Children’s Center. It was only fitting that our annual golf tournament be named in his honor,” said Kathy Myer, golf committee co-chair and director of Women’s Services at Parrish Medical Center.

The annual golf tournament lives on as a tribute to Fran Gerrett’s longtime dedication to our community and his favorite charity. Fran was famous for saying, “It’s all about the kids!” All proceeds benefit the Parrish Early Care and Education program, which annually serves nearly 250 special needs and typically developing children. From playgroups to mom’s morning out, preschool, childcare and respite care, its goal is for children to be successful in school.

“JPMF has been supporting TCC since its inception in 2000. This golf tournament helps provide financial support for TCC so the children in our community can grow and develop to their fullest potential,” said Greg Sparkman, golf committee co-chair.

Thanks to Medline Industries, Inc. and RUSH Construction, Inc. for supporting the tournament as presenting sponsors. Due to their community support, TCC is changing the course of childhood education and ensuring more children are successful in school.

Other event executive sponsors included: The Watauga Company as lunch sponsor; Coastal Ambulance, KCI USA, Inc., MedAssests, MedFast Urgent Care Centers, Inc and Fran Gerrett’s daughters as brochure sponsors. The first place men’s team was John Andrews, Todd Denson, Tim Fields, and Jason Snodgrass. The first place mixed team was Chris Cole, Herman Cole, Joyce Cole and Robin Fisher.

“Fran’s daughters, Leigh Connell, Amy Craddock and Lynn Kelly, were a tremendous support as committee members and event sponsors. It was so nice to see them continue Fran’s generous spirit as an integral part of the event success,” added Myer. Other members of the golf committee included: Dr. Anthony Allotta, Jeremy Bradford, Santi Bulnes, Anita Currie, Lori and Paul Duester, Tiffany Lewis, Carla McRae, Tina Spangler-Phillips, Tim Skeldon, Courtney Wall, Robert Wildermuth and Suzanne Yarbrough.

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors, participants, committee members, and volunteers who helped us exceed our goal and make this event a huge success for the children in our community,” said Chris Broome, chairman of the Jess Parrish Medical Foundation Board of Directors. For more information about Jess Parrish Medical Foundation or the Fran Gerrett Memorial Golf Classic, please contact 321-269-4066 or visit parrishmedfoundation.com