Sunripe Golf Classic nets $100,000 for migrant scholarship fund
Sunripe Golf Classic nets $100,000 for migrant scholarship fund
BRADENTON, FL -- Nine years ago, Joseph Esformes, a principal in the Sunripe family of companies comprised of Pacific Tomato Co., Pacific Triple E Packing, Pacific Collier Fresh, Pacific Pre-Pack and Heller Bros., visited the University of South Florida's College of Education in Tampa at the urging of his close friend and former marketing director, William Gross, who was ebullient about the programs in place at the school.
"So I went there and sat in on a class," Mr. Esformes told The Produce News, "and I saw that it was something special, something very worthwhile." Shortly thereafter, Sunripe held its inaugural golf tournament, which sought to raise money to endow a scholarship to benefit children of migrant workers who wish to study education at the university.
Now in its ninth year, the Sunripe Golf Classic continues to garner strong industry support, evidenced by the $100,000 it raised during the April 12 event, held here at the Legacy Golf Club. In total, the Sunripe Golf Classic has raised more than $1.4 million to endow the scholarship.
"We have gotten tremendous support from our customers, vendors, banks and other corporate sponsors," said Mr. Esformes. "I see it as a way of giving back to a segment that has helped us grow and become successful -- and one that desperately needs help."
He added that the Sunripe family of companies underwrites the entire event, so 100 percent of the proceeds benefits the scholarship.
Colleen Kennedy, dean of the College of Education at the University of South Florida, said, "The Sunripe Classic was better than ever this year. It is heartwarming to see the spirit of generosity that makes this tournament such a success. This has such a positive impact on these students and their families."
Under the program, children of migrant workers at the University of South Florida who are majoring in education are eligible to receive financial assistance. Upon graduation, they are placed in teaching positions in the disciplines of elementary education, secondary education, early childhood education or special education at Florida schools in migrant areas.
This year, 14 students are beneficiaries of the scholarship and three are graduating, including Wadner Charles, who received his degree in social studies in December.
"It is an honor to stand before you today as a graduate of the University of South Florida," Mr. Charles told the more than 144 golfers and others assembled at the conclusion of the ninth annual Sunripe Classic. "This would only be a dream without the support of the Sunripe scholarship program."
Following Mr. Charles' presentation, a raffle and live auction were held, during which items such as a football and football helmet signed by former National Football League player Leroy Selman, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame and a former athletic director at the University of South Florida, went to the highest bidders.
"So I went there and sat in on a class," Mr. Esformes told The Produce News, "and I saw that it was something special, something very worthwhile." Shortly thereafter, Sunripe held its inaugural golf tournament, which sought to raise money to endow a scholarship to benefit children of migrant workers who wish to study education at the university.
Now in its ninth year, the Sunripe Golf Classic continues to garner strong industry support, evidenced by the $100,000 it raised during the April 12 event, held here at the Legacy Golf Club. In total, the Sunripe Golf Classic has raised more than $1.4 million to endow the scholarship.
"We have gotten tremendous support from our customers, vendors, banks and other corporate sponsors," said Mr. Esformes. "I see it as a way of giving back to a segment that has helped us grow and become successful -- and one that desperately needs help."
He added that the Sunripe family of companies underwrites the entire event, so 100 percent of the proceeds benefits the scholarship.
Colleen Kennedy, dean of the College of Education at the University of South Florida, said, "The Sunripe Classic was better than ever this year. It is heartwarming to see the spirit of generosity that makes this tournament such a success. This has such a positive impact on these students and their families."
Under the program, children of migrant workers at the University of South Florida who are majoring in education are eligible to receive financial assistance. Upon graduation, they are placed in teaching positions in the disciplines of elementary education, secondary education, early childhood education or special education at Florida schools in migrant areas.
This year, 14 students are beneficiaries of the scholarship and three are graduating, including Wadner Charles, who received his degree in social studies in December.
"It is an honor to stand before you today as a graduate of the University of South Florida," Mr. Charles told the more than 144 golfers and others assembled at the conclusion of the ninth annual Sunripe Classic. "This would only be a dream without the support of the Sunripe scholarship program."
Following Mr. Charles' presentation, a raffle and live auction were held, during which items such as a football and football helmet signed by former National Football League player Leroy Selman, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame and a former athletic director at the University of South Florida, went to the highest bidders.
