Heavy rain transformed into sunny skies as the First Annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament in Memory of John Mark Leach got underway on March 13 at the newly-renovated St. Johns County Golf Club in Elkton.
Spearheaded by Vested Metals International, a specialty metals and steels supplier based in St. Augustine, the charity tournament brought together more than 90 golfers and raised more than $60,000 for local charities: THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club, Flagler College Cares: Emergency Relief Fund, St. John’s Housing Partnership, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Flagler Health Care Foundation and Adaptive Superstars.
“When our colleague and friend, John Mark Leach, passed away last year, I knew that I wanted to do something to commemorate his giving spirit and zest for life,” said Viv Helwig, president and founder of Vested Metals. “At the tournament, we incorporated some of John Mark’s favorite things like ice cream sandwiches delivered halfway through the golfers’ round and a ginger ale toast during the reception. We will host this tournament every year with the goal of raising and donating $1 million to local charities over the next 10 years.”
Highlights of the First Annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament included Dave Myers with Elite Putters Club professionally announcing each golfer on the first hole; two golfers winning an all-expenses paid trip to Pebble Beach by holing it in from 150 yards; THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club golf team teeing up and Boys & Girls Club ‘Youth of the Year,’ 17-year-old Ambrosia Campbell, giving an encouraging speech at the reception.
There were also members of Flagler College, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and St. Johns County government in attendance and the “Leach Family Cup” was unveiled where each winning foursome will be listed annually. The trophy includes a favorite quote by John Mark Leach: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.”
“Because of the generous support of our sponsors and all of the golfers that came out to play, to Vested Metals staff and, of course, John Mark’s family, the First Annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament was an incredible success,” Helwig said. “Next year will be even bigger and better. Mark your calendar for the second annual charity golf tournament on March 18, 2024!”
