The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County drew 112 golfers to its Keeping Kids Safe Golf Invitational Sept. 28 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

That's a 40% increase from the 80 players who turned out in 2025, when the tournament raised $116,000. Another 28 people attended the dinner only. A final 2026 fundraising total has not been announced.

Proceeds help families afford club memberships

Money raised helps families who cannot afford club memberships.

"We want to make sure every child who wants to attend can," Dawn Stanhope, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, told Your Observer. The clubs serve children from age 5 through 12th grade at seven locations: three traditional clubs and four school-based sites.

Heisman winner and former NBA top pick tee off

Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, was the event's special guest and hit the opening tee shot. He won the award in 1974 and 1975. Greg Oden, whom the Portland Trail Blazers selected No. 1 overall in the 2007 NBA draft, was Griffin's playing partner.

Lakewood Ranch resident Edward Valdez, a club board member, said he grew up in the Dominican Republic without access to such programs. He said he has seen the clubs give children opportunities that keep them out of trouble.

Angel Cruz of OrgreenX Pest Control in Bradenton credited a boys club in Miami with keeping him on track as a child. "This is what the Boys and Girls Clubs do, take care of kids on the local level," Cruz said.

Faith Simpson sang the national anthem before the tournament. She is a Manatee High School student who has been a club member since kindergarten. Simpson also designed Manatee County's 2026 "I voted" sticker, and she said the club's academic resources have helped her with subjects such as algebra.

Loyal supporters mark an 80th anniversary

Stanhope said the tournament began about five years ago and that many of the same supporters return each year. Robin Eekhof was tournament director. The organizing committee included Anna Holt, Simi Ranajee, Lori Eshoo and Beth Persichitte.

The organization is celebrating its 80th anniversary, according to Pulse of Manatee. It provides after-school and summer programs for more than 2,500 young people.

Coming up: The clubs will host a free Alumni & Friends Reunion and Wing Fest from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the DeSoto Boys & Girls Club, 5236 30th St. W., Bradenton. Registration is available at bgcmanatee.org/events.