2nd Annual New Legacy Golf Classic Raises $50K for Charity Partners
Proceeds Benefit Tampa Police Department Aviation Unit, Tampa Firefighter’s Charity Fund, and Friends of Tampa Firefighters
TAMPA, Fla. – (March 16, 2021) – The New Legacy Homes Family Foundation is pleased to announce its 2nd Annual Golf Classic raised $50,000 for its charity partners, the Tampa Police Department Aviation Unit and Tampa Firefighter’s Charity Fund. The tournament, held in February 2021 at the Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville, doubled the amount first raised in 2020 that benefitted Southeastern Guide Dogs. “During a year that saw our community and the nation reeling from a pandemic, we were especially proud this tournament could continue to make a positive impact in our community,” said New Legacy Owner Steve Wiltse. “We are honored this event could help generate much needed funds to support our first responders, which is a testament to the philanthropic mentality of the many individuals and businesses who supported our tournament.”
Pilots to Receive New Flight Helmets
Of the total funds raised, $30,000 is being donated to the Tampa Police Department (TPD) Aviation Unit to purchase new flight helmets for pilots. TPD’s current helmets are more than 10 years old and in need of replacement. The unit has been unable to cover the costs due to recent budget constraints. The helmets protect crew members from injury during helicopter flight emergencies, and are tailored specifically to each pilot. The high-tech helmets are extremely expensive – estimating more than $3,000 each – and New Legacy’s donation will allow TPD to purchase nine new helmets, each outfitted with the latest technology and safety features.
“New Legacy is a committed supporter of law enforcement, and we are so appreciative to have been chosen as one of its charitable partners,” said Chief Pilot Chris Shepherd. “These new helmets can mean the difference between life and death in a crash situation, and will make a meaningful difference in our efforts to protect our pilots and our community.”
Firefighters to Help Burn Victims and Get New Equipment
Half of the remaining $20,000 of tournament proceeds will go to the Tampa Firefighters Charity Fund to benefit Camp Hopetáke, a week-long, sleep-away summer camp for children ages 8-17 who have been victims of serious burns at some point in their lives. The camp is free to campers and is financially supported by the fundraising efforts of Tampa General Hospital and Tampa Firefighters Local 754.
Staffed by TGH nurses and Tampa firefighters, the camp provides a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for kids to share their experiences with others who truly understand what they have been through, providing a support system that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities from special trips to local attractions and movie nights, to water play and themed parties.
The other half of the $20,000 will fund the purchase of a thermal imaging camera to help firefighters better detect heat otherwise invisible to the human eye. The camera can see through smoke, allowing firefighters and rescue personnel to not only increase personal safety, but also help save more lives by creating a faster way to search buildings for people and animals. The camera will ultimately enhance the speed at which a fire can be fought to help save properties from further damage and help ensure no more hot spots remain from a structural fire.
“New Legacy is really stepping up in a big way for our community,” said Captain Bill Townsend. “We are thankful they recognize the value of our efforts to support Camp Hopetáke and provide an indispensable aid to firefighters in need of new technology.”
Presenting sponsors for the 2021 New Legacy Golf Classic included Builders FirstSource, MI Windows & Doors and Therma-Tru Doors. More than 120 golfers participated in the team scramble format. The 2022 tournament has already been scheduled for February 3rd, 2022 and will continue the builder’s philanthropic tradition of supporting the needs of the Tampa Bay community.
About New Legacy Homes
New Legacy Homes is a small, locally owned homebuilder established to provide Tampa Bay area homebuyers with high quality, cutting-edge, energy-efficient custom home design. The leadership team has a combined 55 years of experience in the homebuilding and construction industry, primarily in Florida and Tampa Bay.