Charity golf tourney raises over $210K

“Chip in for Charity,” Women in Distress of Broward County’s sixth annual charity golf tournament, raised over $210,000 for its programs that support survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Women in Distress board member Phyllis Thomas led the event that took place on Veterans Day at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale with Presenting Sponsor Ultimate Software and major sponsors The Thomas Family Foundation, David and Lynn Sobocinski Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Lorraine Thomas.

“We are thankful to our volunteer leaders and sponsors for their commitment to bringing awareness to the mission of Women in Distress,” Thomas said in a statement. “Raising awareness of this important community issue will help survivors to rebuild their lives. The golf tournament provides a great opportunity to keep this message in the forefront of the community.”

Since it began, the tournament has raised over $700,000 for the center’s free and confidential services including emergency safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, therapy, education and training, among other programs.

“Because of volunteer leaders like Phyllis and Al Thomas who rally support, and so many community friends and partners, we are able to meet growing community needs to keep families and children safe,” Mary Riedel, president and CEO of Women in Distress, said in a statement.

According to the center, last year it served over 4,100 women, men and children.

Visit womenindistress.org. For the 24-hour crisis line, call 954-761-1133.

Phyllis Thomas, Women in Distress board member and event organizer, left, with Kim Bentley, Women in Distress board chairwoman, JM Family Enterprises, Inc./Southeast Toyota Distributors LLC at the sixth annual “Chip in for Charity” golf tournament.

DOWNTOWN PHOTO