Viv Helwig and his team had one goal for the second annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament in Memory of John Mark Leach: make it bigger and better than the first.
Even the weather was in on the plan; March 25 dawned bright and beautiful, a truly spectacular Florida spring day at Marsh Creek Country Club in St. Augustine Beach.
This year’s charity tournament brought together 124 golfers and raised more than $70,000 for local charities: THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club, Flagler College Athletics, St. Johns Housing Partnership, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, UF Health St. Johns Foundation, READ USA Inc., Safe Families for Children and Adaptive Superstars. The chosen charities are all a testament to the spirit of the late John Mark Leach.
“John Mark was a beautiful soul who left the world a better place through his giving spirit,” said Helwig, president and founder of Vested Metals International (VMI), a specialty metals and steel supplier based in St. Augustine. “He loved his family so much, spent time supporting the next generation, and loved this area. It only seemed right to select charities that support those things. By 2033, we plan to have donated at least $1 million in his name. This year’s tournament was a wonderful addition to that.”
Highlights of the tournament included Leach’s favorite treats, cold ice cream sandwiches delivered to the golfers at the halfway point, and a ginger ale toast at the reception by Leach’s former colleague, Ric Snyder, vice president of business development at VMI.
Dave Myers hosted the putting contest and announced each golfer, prizes such as a new beach cruiser, golf bag, gift baskets and gift cards went to tournament winners, and members of the Leach Family, Flagler College, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns County Government were in attendance as were friends, supporters and sponsors from all over the country.
The ‘Leach Family Cup’ received four new winning names, which will be etched beside a favorite quote by Leach, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.” Congratulations were extended to Aaron Johnson, David Upchurch, John Matulia and Seth Corneal playing on behalf of The Network Operations Company (The NOC).
“It takes a village to make this happen, and we have the best village,” Helwig said. “This would not be possible without our amazing sponsors, volunteers, employees, golfers, and, of course, the blessing and support of John Mark’s family. We would love to see even more players on the course next year — we’ve got that million in our sights! Stay tuned for an announcement on next year’s date for the third annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament in Memory of John Mark Leach!”
