FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 18, 2023) – The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, a local non-profit, is fulfilling its aspirations to change the lives of at-risk youth in the Southwest Florida community and surpassed its fundraising goal by raising approximately $215,000 at the 5th annual Playmaker’s Tailgate Party in late March.
“We are so thankful for everyone who came out to support an amazing cause. We were hoping to raise $200,000, and by exceeding that we can have an even greater impact on the children in need in our community,” said former NFL player Tommy Bohanon, founder of the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. “Every year we strive to grow as an organization and in our community. Our mission is to ensure that kids throughout SWFL receive the opportunity to partake in programs that will help them become more well-rounded individuals.”
At the March 31 Playmaker’s Tailgate Party, held at the Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation hosted a silent and live auction that raised approximately $215,000, which will go directly to programming, scholarships, and grants for local children. Community leaders such as the Mayor of Fort Myers, Kevin Anderson, UFC Fighter Tito Ortiz, and various business leaders attended the event.
At the event, $10,000 scholarships were awarded to three high school seniors, Sophia Cabrera, Olivia Cabrera, Fedrick Harris, and one recurring scholarship to Sofija Valancius, $40,000 over four years, to help them achieve success in continued education. Sophia will be attending Samford University and majoring in Journalism with a Public Relations Concentration; Olivia will be attending the University of Florida or Auburn University and majoring in Nutrition Sciences on the pre-med track; Fedrick plans to join the United States Army while pursuing a degree in Psychology with an emphasis on both Public and Mental Health and Sofija will be attending the University of Notre Dame majoring in Finance.
Sponsors, called “playmakers,” were Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Victory Layne Chevrolet, Cartwright and Sons Cabinetry, Lee Drywall, Titan Contracting LLC, Raymond Building Supply, Advanced Seamless Gutters, Personal Touch Catering, Florida Install, Taylor Carpet One Floor & Home, Arthur Printing, Pott’s Sports Cafe, CONRIC pr + marketing, Patriot Home Shutters, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Garramone Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Baystate Financial, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Specific Care Chiropractic, The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, Bright Ideas Trophies Awards, The Thomas Family Charitable Trust, Little Star 4D Ultrasound, Pioneer Print & Graphics, Custom Pools by Design, LCEC, Goliath Fishing, The Mackey Team Air Condition and Heating, My Shower Door, Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law, Millennial Brewing Company, Quattrone & Associates Inc., and Barry Goettemoeller RE/MAX. Titan Contracting has been recognized as the Tommy Bohanon Foundation’s Premier Event Sponsor for being its largest sponsor, contributing to the foundation since 2020.
Comedian RC Smith was the host, giving a short comedy show before carrying out the activities for the night. The event was catered by Personal Touch Catering, Wonderland Cookie Dough & Ice Cream, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, feeding the 250 attendees dinner and dessert, including several local business leaders from various industries who donated to the cause.
To learn more about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or contact Katie Bohanon at 239-671-0441 or katie@tommybohanonfoundation.
Tommy Bohanon Foundation
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Former NFL fullback, Tommy Bohanon, returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.
