Fall Scramble fundraiser changes lives of local students

BY LEW HASTINGS - On Monday, Oct. 15 the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gasparilla Inn & Club will hold the annual Boca Grande Scramble Golf Tournament. Everyone knows that local students reap the benefits of this fundraiser through scholarships ... but what many don’t think about is how important these scholarships are.

The Boca Grande Chamber has been proud to offer scholarships to local students for many years now.

In 2004, the Chamber offered scholarships to 14 graduating seniors and had 22 applications from eligible students continuing their education in 2005.

In 2012, we are pleased to announce that 42 eligible students applied and were approved for scholarship awards from the Boca Grande Chamber.

On November 13, 2006, working in partnership with the Gasparilla Inn and Club, the chamber held the first of what would become an annual fundraiser for the “Educate Boca” scholarship program. At that first event, we were fortunate to host a full field of golfers. Showing amazing generosity and hard work were Jack Damioli, president and general manager of the Gasparilla Inn, and his staff. Many volunteers showed extraordinary effort and gave of their time, making the event a spectacular success and an all-around fun event for all.

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