As the Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory prepare to tee off for their Second Annual Golf Classic, organizers are adding some exciting new features to this popular Live Oak fundraiser that is scheduled to take place on May 5. Located at Pete Dye Golf Course at Southern Hills Plantation, 4200 Summit View Drive, Brooksville. Shotgun start is at 9 am! These new features include the appearance of a nationally recognized golf pro, chances to win valuable prizes, and even a Yeti!
Live Oak Theatre Company (LOT) is a not-for-profit 501 (C)(3) repertory company of local artists, located at 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville. The Live Oak Theatre Company exists to enrich families, individuals and the community by providing positive artistic experiences in the Performing Arts – including excellent, affordable, and edifying family friendly entertainment, performance, and educational opportunities for Theatre patrons and participants of all ages. Live Oak also hosts a youth theatre and a conservatory.
Teri Nichols, who co-chairs the tournament with Pat Crowley stated, “As co-chair of the golf classic, we have so many exciting things planned. And it’s all to raise money for Live Oak.”
The funds are greatly needed according to Live Oak spokesman Vince Vanni. He states, “As with all the other not-for-profits, Covid had a major impact on us and depleted our reserves. Fortunately, we have bounced back this year, not just financially, but also as a major force for all the arts in our area. But unfortunately, we are in a 30+ year old building, and now it’s time to repair and replace so many old items. One in particular, is the AC units in the theatre, which require a $30,000 overhaul to ensure that our students and the audience members are comfortable. We have raised a considerable portion of this, thanks to the generosity of so many benefactors. We are hoping that this revenue from the tournament will enable us to tackle this problem before the next season opener.”
Nichols believes that anything benefiting Live Oak, benefits the Hernando County community. She stated, “When people consider moving to an area, they want to know about the art and culture opportunities, as well as educational opportunities, Live Oak covers both.”
Appearing at the Classic will be Wes Patterson who is World Long Drive Champion and onetime pro baseball player, who will be there to help out with an event competition. According to his Twitter biography, Patterson is a professional golfer, a Team USA Long Drive Champion, 2017 Top 8 Finalist in the World Long Drive Championships, a GIS Long Drive World Champion, and the 12th Rank Long Drive competitor in the world. “Wes will tee off for those who buy chances to participate. Those who make a hole in two can, selecting from a number of trip options, win the golf trip package of their dreams,” stated Nichols.
The tournament’s Hole in One Sponsor is Love Honda. “They are offering a Honda to anyone who makes a ‘hole in one’ on that hole!” said Nichols. Raffle prizes up for offer will include a full game day suite plus food and drinks at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at University of Florida, with nearby lodging included in the prize. Nichols added, “We’ll be selling chances in the form of Jokers playing cards for that prize, one in 54 at $100 a piece.” Other raffle prizes range from fine artwork to fun packages like the Yeti Tundra Haul, a prize valued at $1,000 filled with a wide variety of goodies. Spherion Staffing donated the Yeti cooler and its contents. Glory Days is hosting the drawing for the Yeti, at its location at 14037 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville. Tickets are three for $20 or one for $10. “And we’re including $100 worth of lottery tickets,” said Nichols.
The 2nd annual Live Oak Theatre Golf Classic, with registration and breakfast is set to begin at 7:30-8:45 am. The event also will include a buffet lunch and prize drawings set to take place 1 pm in the clubhouse. And for that the tournament offers, the event could benefit from a single addition. Nichols shares that they need more golfers!
Foursome registration is $700. Individual registration is $175. Each golfer receives a Cutter Buck Live Oak Golf Classic Shirt. Winning team receives a trophy and $400. To register for the Golf & Garden Classic go to www.liveoaktheatre.org. The Friends of Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory committee announces the sponsors of their second annual Golf Classic to be held.
