Charity Golf Tournament

Espiritu Santo Assembly 2474 of Safety Harbor will host its fifth annual charity golf tournament to benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation in support of a severely disabled veteran.

The tournament will be held on Sunday, Oct. 17, at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club North Course. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

To date, the tournament has raised more than $50,000 in donations to the foundation.

Registration for the tournament is $110 per individual golfers, with an “Honor” Package available for an additional $20 that allows entry into various contests. Sponsorships that include foursomes range from $500 to $1,000, with additional sponsorships ranging from $100 to $400.

The tournament benefits the recovery of Jay Collins, who was wounded twice in Afghanistan in 2007, and received two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, and The Combat Infantryman's Badge. He continued his service for two years despite battling through severe back pain. He underwent emergency back surgery in 2009, and returned to the field. In 2014, Jay, along with his team of doctors, moved forward with a decision to amputate his left leg. After rehabilitation, in the summer of 2014 Jay returned to active duty with the Office of Special Warfare. Jay and his wife Layla have two sons—Gabe and Colt. Jay hopes his new specially adapted smart home will allow him to move freely throughout his entire house, while improving the quality of life for his family. And true to form, Jay intends to continue serving—this time focusing his service on those in need.

Checks are payable to KofC Assembly 2474 and may be dropped off at the ELW Pro Shop. For additional information, please contact co-chairmen Mark Peterman (727) 403-5993, or Gene Jaguga (727) 403-3261.