For the past 12 years, Boys Town Central Florida and Holland Pools & Spas have joined together to put on the Demetree Golf Classic, to raise money and bring awareness to a terrific cause. This year however, the event hit even closer to home for both Boys Town and Holland Pools. "This year we honored Mike Holland, former owner and Board Member who passed in May of this year," said Tabitha Talbott, Donor Relations Specialist.
Mike Holland served as a member of the Boys Town Central Florida board for six years and was lending a helping hand since 2004. He and his wife's company, Holland Pools & Spas, first started getting involved with Boys Town through sponsoring local events, such as golf tournaments and the Christmas Candy Cane 5K. Mike loved helping out in the community, especially Boys Town, and would do anything he could to help make sure children were given the opportunity to have a happy life. "Mike was never a person to say no. He was always willing to help in any way, even during those times when he was battling his health, he was there," said Greg Zyblut, Boys Town Central Florida Executive Director.
Friends of Holland Pools and community businesses in the Central Florida area came out to the Demetree Golf Classic on October 6, 2017, to celebrate Mike Holland and an organization he was so passionate about.
The event had 97 registered golfers who could participate in several competitions such as a hole-in-one tournament, putting contest, and the longest drive. There was also a chance for golfers to put their name in a raffle for small items or bid on a $3,500 diamond pendant, where the winners were then called out by special guest MC and local news anchor, Greg Warmouth.
Toward the end of the event, a memorable moment took place for those who were close to Mike Holland, as Greg Zbylut presented Gloria Holland, Mike's wife, with a memorial canvas honoring her husband. "We will miss him and never forget him for his generosity. We look forward to working with the Holland family to keep Mike's work moving forward," said Zyblut.
Through the Demetree Golf Classic, Boys Town Central Florida not only raised $26,000 for children and families, but showed Mike's family how thankful they were of his caring gestures and kind heart.
