FORT MYERS, Florida – Twenty years ago a group of Fiddlesticks Country Club members known as “Pipers“, decided the best way to help local families struggling to make ends meet was to create a charity.
So, in 1992 the “Pipers” founded the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, named after member Bobby Nichols, whose 30-year pro career includes 15 wins from from 1960 – 1989, including the 1964 PGA Championship and 1974 Canadian Open. And, the most effective way to raise funds was to organize a Pro-Am golf tournament, tennis tournament, dinner and auction.
Through generous annual donations from the 600-member Fiddlesticks community and outside sponsors, the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation has proudly raised over $13.5 million. And, all funds are distributed to local Fort Myers children’s charities.
“The PGA recognizes the Nichols Cup Golf Tournament as one of the most successful community sponsored Pro-Am’s in the United States and numerous professionals and sports celebrities participate to offer their support for this important mission,” said Mike Lancellot, president of the board of directors for the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation. “Over the years, we have seen government funding go down and the number of children needing assistance go up. We are proud of our 20-year history made possible by the generosity of our community, sponsors and donors. We know that our efforts are making a difference and so we continue our mission to fight for these children.”
The 2022 event is slated for Feb. 18-21. Spread out over four days Fiddlesticks Country Club, located off Daniels Parkway about 10 miles from Jet Blue Park, will host a celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament, tennis tournament, gala event, and live and silent auctions.
The Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) operation, welcomes community support for the 2022 event and has announced a variety of sponsorship levels ranging from $500 to $100,000. Select sponsorship levels also include player registration for the popular tournaments. A variety of sponsorships and benefits are available and can be found online at www.NicholsCup.org.
“Our sponsors range from individual families to local and national companies,” said Lancellot. “Many of our sponsors have ties to the golf community as well as a strong desire to support charities serving children. Additionally, you do not need to play in the golf tournament to make a meaningful sponsorship contribution. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many children and families in our greater community.”
Beneficiaries of the Bobby Nichols Cup Golf Tournament include Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Blessings in a Backpack and Liberty Youth Ranch. To date, more than $13.5 million has been raised for these local children’s charities in support of their efforts to support abused and at-risk children.
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