The PGA TOUR Wives Association, in partnership with THE PLAYERS hosted children and families from Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital and Community PedsCare on March 10 for a morning of playful activities and friendship at the annual “These Kids Can Play!” event at TPC Sawgrass.
Families arrived at the Stadium Village tent within TPC Sawgrass and were welcomed with books, face painting and golf activities. An art station was provided by Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and attendees could also visit animals from the Jacksonville Zoo.
“This year is a sports theme,” said one of the event organizers, Tabitha Furyk, of the Jim and Tabitha Furyk Foundation. “So, we have Fang here, the mascot from the Jacksonville Icemen, Scampi, from the Jumbo Shrimp and of course, Jaxson de Ville. So, we’re just giving the opportunity for these kids, who have life-threatening or changing conditions, to come out, bring their entire family, have a day at THE PLAYERS and just have this special morning.”
“She loves the books and she loves Jaxon,” said Kathy Smoot, who was there with her daughter Emily.
Each child received a book and a medal after they finished each of the featured activities, from practicing golf swings to football passes.
“This is our sixth time here,” said Kim Way, who stopped by with her three kids, 6-year-old Kaleb, 1-year-old Sydney and 7-year-old Seth.
“They always enjoy seeing the Furyks,” she said. “We have a tradition every year where we take a picture with them, so that’s been pretty cool, watching them grow. I also get to see other families that I don’t get to see too often. It’s just an awesome event.”
After annual group photos with the families and PGA Wives, representatives from TIAA Bank Field and THE PLAYERS Championship surprised attendees with a $30,000 donation each.
“There are no people in this world that are nicer than the golfers’ wives,” Smoot said. “The Furyks have been super with us. And the kids need to be active. Emily’s life expectancy was six and she just turned 21. We’re alright. Because each day is special.”
Photos by Daniela Toporek
