Boys Town North Florida Christmas Classic Raises more than $50,000

The first week of December saw plenty of cheer at Boys Town North Florida as the campus celebrated its annual Christmas Classic Golf and Tennis Tournaments at Golden Eagle Country Club. The tournaments netted more than $50,000 in funds to save children and heal families.

“The tournaments were a huge success due to our wonderful community supporters,” said Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director. “We could not have ordered better weather. It was absolutely gorgeous during the entire Christmas Classic.”

The 7th Annual Christmas Classic Ladies Tennis Tournament was held over four days from December 1-4 and began with a kick-off party on Thursday evening, which included an exhibition match from members of the Florida State University tennis team. All players received their packets and tennis times and were able to enjoy a brief program by Strickland highlighting the importance of supporting Boys Town.

With one more team than last year, the tournament had a record-setting 27 teams battle it out to support children and families, and of course, gain a few bragging rights. 

Winners of the Tennis Tournament included Susan Goodwin and Karen Davis in the 4.0 division, Kathy Maus and Denise Hobbs in the 3.5 division, and Julie Zins and Joan Merschman in the 3.0 division. The winning teams in each division were awarded with prizes and a trophy featuring the “Two Brothers” statue.

Co-chaired by Debi Hudson and Jan Murdock, the Tennis Tournament was a tremendous success, featuring a silent auction with amazing prizes such as tickets to the U.S. Open, tennis racquets signed by professional tennis players, Christmas trees filled with gift certificates, and more. 

“We had an absolutely wonderful weekend of beautiful weather, tennis and fellowship all to benefit the Boys Town North Florida youth,” said Hudson. “We are looking forward to our next Tennis Tournament, as it will promise to be a fabulous time with fabulous ladies!”

The 19th Annual Christmas Classic Golf Tournament is the oldest fundraising event hosted by the North Florida campus each year and has been a growing tradition in the Tallahassee community. Taking place on December 5, it took the competition from the courts to the greens to round out the Christmas Classic and further garner support for Boys Town North Florida’s youth. 

Winners of the Golf Tournament included first place gross score team: Golden Eagle Country Club (Tom Perrin Jr., Lance Williams, Ian Berry and Jeff Corson); and the first place net score team: Tallahassee Ford Lincoln (Bill Hackelton, Bob Martin, Ted Tabah and Bill Koop). These winners were also awarded with prizes and “Two Brothers” trophies.

The Golf Tournament was a great success thanks in large part to our golf chairs Charley Redding, Paul Sullivan and Joe Kelley. Florida State University Head Baseball Coach, Mike Martin, also got in the game helping to raise funds at the “Beat the Coach” hole, where guests paid $5 to get a chance to out-putt the coach. 

This year’s Christmas Classic also held special significance as attendees recognized June Strauss, a strong advocate for children and a major proponent in opening the Boys Town North Florida campus. Strauss, 80, passed away in December 2010.

In her memory, the family turned out in full force to help the tournament succeed and sponsored this year’s tournament shirts. 

“Everyone received a commemorative shirt from the Strauss family and there was a moment of silence in [June’s] honor,” said Strickland. “She would never miss a Christmas Classic Tournament, so it only seemed appropriate to remember her on this very special day.”

An immense amount of gratitude goes out to those who participated, sponsored and worked to make the Christmas Classic possible. Participants did a lot more than swing a racquet or a golf club. Some brought gifts for Boys Town North Florida’s Hope for the Holidays campaign, which provided Christmas gifts to the youth. 

“Buddy and June [Strauss] would be happy and proud to see that this year’s Christmas Classic was so successful because of the continued, overwhelming care from our community for the Boys Town North Florida children and families,” said Redding.