For the past decade, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation has raised nearly $2 million to help hundreds of young athletes of Southwest Florida improve their football skills, become responsible adults and get the equipment they need to excel on and off the playing field.<\/p>\n
In order to do that, the foundation needs money and sponsorships from the community.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, April 30, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation will put on its annual Playmakers Tailgate Party at the Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon, 2158 Colonial Blvd., in Fort Myers from 6 to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
Bohanon said this is their big fundraiser that funds all the initiatives the organization undertakes, as well as a whole lot of fun.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt funds our scholarships, our sports equipment grants, everything. So, this is the big one,\u201d Bohanon said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have live music, food and a silent and live auction. I like to think it\u2019s one of the most extensive silent auctions in Southwest Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among those expected to attend are several country performers, Jason Jones as the auctioneer and comedian R.C. Smith and lots of other action.<\/p>\n
Bohanon said the goal is to cross the $2 million mark at the event and to raise $300,000 that night.<\/p>\n
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation holds its yearly free football camp, which is its signature event and has been held since its founding in 2017.<\/p>\n
The organization holds a toy drive and gives out sports equipment grants for programs that otherwise couldn\u2019t afford them. They have given back more than $250,000 in scholarships to high school seniors.<\/p>\n
The foundation also holds the annual \u201cMan Up\u201d program, where up to 150 at-risk boys meet with business owners and community leader, who teach them how to tie a tie, conduct themselves in interviews, find scholarships, budget themselves and much more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a high impact day. We have kids in the front of the class after the event, participating,\u201d Bohanon said. \u201cWe\u2019ve had great feedback from teachers and administrators every year we put it on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets are $125 and sponsorships are available for businesses and community leaders who want to make an impact.<\/p>\n
For more information, go to\u00a0tommybohanonfoundation.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n