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Sparks Tourney Draws Big Support

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By BRIAN GJURGEVICH

Highlands Today

Published: January 5, 2009

SEBRING - Taking advantage of picture-perfect weather conditions and a well-manicured Turtle Run course, the group of Frank Guglielmi, Greg Long, Charlie Shields and Jimmy Tsakalos carded a 57 on Saturday to win the championship flight of the 2009 New Year Benefit golf tournament at Sun 'N Lake.

The low net winners from the championship flight were Terry Yardie, Scott Dressel, Don Sizemore and Randy Thayer, who combined for a 56.

The tournament was the brainchild of Jady Prescott, who had the idea for a golf tournament to raise funds for the Sparks family, which is facing an illness in the family.

With a field of 100 players and help on the grill from the Sebring Firemen, Inc., Prescott was thrilled with the support the tourney received.

"We'd been thinking about ways to raise money, and I had this idea for a golf tournament, because I know they're very popular and they tend to raise a lot of money for a good cause," Prescott said. "So we had this idea and just ran with it. It was a great turnout and it was just heartwarming to see people come out and support the family."

Prescott said he and longtime friend Brannon Sparks had no idea how much work went into hosting a golf tournament.

Luckily, they had help.

"A lot of people chipped in to make it a great tournament," Prescott said, noting the Firemen came through by donating food and preparing meals for golfers. "It was local businesses helping a local family. That was our main goal, and judging by today, I think we did a good job of that."

Sparks called the turnout and postcard-perfect weather "a blessing."

"Jady and I like doing volunteer stuff like this, and we've talked about doing a New Year's benefit (every year)," Sparks said. "We'll find a local family that's truly in need and do whatever we can to help them out."

Prescott said focusing on one family can make the biggest difference.

"We'd like to have all the proceeds go toward a single family to make the biggest impact possible," he said.

The first flight, low gross was won by the group of Shane Brown, Matt Hall, Ryan Leaphart and Michael Terrell (61), while the low net went to Aaron Brown, Sherill Brown, Frazier Travers and Wade Carter (61).

The second flight, low gross went to James Goins, Jimmy Goins, Colt Williams and Leon Williams (65), while the low net went Claude Cash, Vernon Hinote, Charles Lanier and Steve Stokes (65).

Brian Gjurgevich can be reached at 863-386-5841 or bgjurgevich@highlandstoday.com.

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