DFA Charity Golf Tournament success on all counts; raises $375,000 for Alonzo Mourning’s Miami youth charities

Not only did last week’s DFA Golf Tournament raise $375,000 for the Mourning Family Foundation, but it astonished the former NBA superstar with a surprise birthday cake. 

Neither threatening weather, a cold drizzle in Miami or a lingering pandemic could dampen the high spirits that boosted the 2022 DFA Charity Golf Tournament on Feb. 9, which raised a staggering $375,000 for the Mourning Family Foundation (formerly known as Alonzo Mourning Charities), and its Overtown Youth Center and Honey Shine initiatives.

The Duty Free industry came out in the hundreds to support the tournament and auctions, in one of the first live industry events in North America since the pandemic began two full years ago.

   The event was sponsored by Duty Free Americas and the Falic Family Foundation, and DFA CEO Jerome Falic welcomed guests and warmly spoke of his family’s tradition of “giving back.”

Guest of Honor Alonzo Mourning spoke passionately about his efforts and advocacy for youth initiatives and programs that assist abused, abandoned, and neglected kids, emphasizing the importance of education, leadership and perseverance with personal experiences from his own life.

A National Basketball Association superstar, Mourning played most of his 15-year career for Miami’s hometown Heat team. Since 1997, Mourning has raised millions of dollars for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families in the Greater Miami Community.

DFA’s Jerome, Simon and Joseph Falic (on right) present ceremonial check to Alonzo Mourning and his staff during the 2022 DFA Charity Golf Tournament on Feb. 9 in Miami.

In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives, Mourning focuses his attention on stimulating the development of youth enrichment centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the Overtown Youth Center in the historic South Florida area of Overtown in 2003.

With the leadership of his wife Tracy, Mourning also supports the Honey Shine Mentoring Program which works to empower young girls. Mourning’s presentation included an inspiring video that can be seen here. https://youtu.be/qx3LHcN63Tk

The travel retail industry generously supported the event with monetary and product donations that resulted in a fabulous array of gifts and prizes for the raffle and auction.

The team from Essence Corp.

Barry Geoghegan, Lois and Michael Pasternak, Tito Gonzalez, Guy May, Simon Knapp and Catherine Restrepo.

Tito Gonzalez of Waldemar Behn; Simon Knapp, Beam Suntory, and Catherine Restrepo of Beam Suntory/SYZYGY Strategies.

Duty Free Global’s Barry Geoghegan and Guy May of The House of Somrus.

Liz Taylor, Premier Global Trading, Inc., recently appointed as Service Agent for the OPI nail lacquer brand for Travel Retail for the Americas.

Among the companies helping to make the event such a success were:

Diamond Sponsors: Moet Hennessy Travel Retail, Pernod Ricard Americas Travel Retail, and Love Tito’s.

Platinum Sponsors: Altria, Campari Group, Clarins, Diplomatico Rum, Puig.

Gold Sponsors: Brown-Forman, Cincoro, Coty, Duty Free Global, Innotri, Jagermeister, Labatt, OPI, RJ Reynolds.

Silver Sponsors: Astor Chocolates, Beluga Vodka, E&J Gallo Winery, Essence Corp, Flor de Cana, Konci Group (USA), Stoli, William Grant & Sons.

Bronze Sponsors: Alexander James & Co., Casamigas Tequila, Dos Hombres, Gold Bar Whisky, Haleybrooke International, Iceberg Vodka, Lucas Bols, Moosehead Breweries, Otis McAllister, Perfetti van Melle, and Ray-Ban.

“My family and I know the importance of giving back,” said DFA CEO Jerome Falic in introducing Alonzo Mourning and his charities.