Even with a late afternoon deluge that forced half of the golfers to return to the Clubhouse before finishing, the first ever DFA Charity Golf Tournament was an unqualified success.
Taking place this past Wednesday at the beautiful Weston Hills Country Club in South Florida, the event attracted 120 people (both players and those cheering them on) and raised more than $180,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
Event host Jerome Falic, CEO of Duty Free Americas, explained that the charity was very close to his heart.
“My wife Debbie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer two years ago and we credit the Foundation with helping us find the best course of treatment for her,” Falic told TMI and the assembled guests.
“Because of their research, we had options, and knew what to expect from different choices, and had information on what we would be going through. They really do an incredible job,” he stressed, adding that 100% of all the money collected from the event would be going to the charity.
Stephanie Kauffman, chief communications and engagement officer of BCRF, was on hand to accept the donations. DFA’s Hard Candy brand donated $50,000; and a combination of DFA, and the Falic Family Foundation donated
another $150,000. The proceeds from the fantastic raffle and silent auction would be additional.
In thanking the industry, Kauffman pointed out that 91% of every dollar donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation goes to the charity, with minimal reserved for administrative expenses. She also told the audience that the Foundation is on the verge of some important breakthroughs, critical since someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.
Jerome Falic gave a special thank you to Jonathan Bonchick, who helped organize the tournament, and to the DFA marketing team for the “incredible job they did” in putting together the event. He also lauded the incredible support of sponsorship and donations provided by the industry.
Representatives from all over North America from nearly every duty free category were on hand for the event – including the spirits brands, fragrances and cosmetics, confectionery, accessories including sunglasses and watches, as well as the many service industries that cater to the industry.
“I had no idea we would have this kind of turnout on a workday in the middle of the week,” said Falic. He assured the crowd that the event would become an annual event.
“Everyone in the industry is welcome,” he stressed.
