Vince Carter 2008 Charity Golf Classic & Gala

On July 13, 2008, Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation and Halifax Health Foundation hosted the Vince Carter Charity Golf Classic at the beautiful Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Florida.  A full field of golfers, including celebrities such as Brian Travis of the Cincinnati Bengels, Chucky Atkins of the Denver Nuggets, Sebastian Janakowski of the Oakland Raiders, and Sam Sword of the Indiana Colts, to name a few, began the morning with a continental breakfast before teeing off on the renowned Ocean Course.  At the conclusion of the day, golfers and volunteers got a preview of the delectable food that will be offered at Vince Carter’s, the Restaurant with Chef Tom Papa, in early 2009.  Prizes were awarded for foursomes placing first, second, and third as well as a male and female closest to the pin and longest drive recognition.  The Atlantic Ocean breezes, exceptional lunch, and camaraderie among the golfers and the celebrities fulfilled a day of fun while raising much needed funds for charity.

Following the golf classic on Saturday, July 19, 2008, 300 couples and corporations joined the Vince Carter Charity Gala at the Daytona Beach Hilton Resort in Daytona Beach, Florida.  In the North Tower of the Hilton, the black tie optional evening began with a reception and silent auction in the foyer overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Upon entering the ballroom, the guests were greeted with the lively sound of  the band, Ace Factor,  as well as tasty hors d’oeuvres.  As the evening progressed a live auction had gala attendees competitively bidding for a Vince Carter autographed basketball, an overnight stay at Ocean One, an Embassy of Hope teddy bear, and a trip to New Jersey complete with limousine service, tickets to a New Jersey Nets basketball game of their choice, dinner at the arena, and hotel accommodations for two nights.  This was so popular that three couples won the trip!   Everyone seemed to enjoy the lively dancing, socializing, and raising funds for the Embassy of Hope Foundation and the events’ beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries of the Vince Carter Summer Jam 2008 were Halifax Health Healthy Communities, The House Next Door Foundation and the Vince Carter $5000 “Believing In Your Dreams” Scholarship Fund.  These beneficiaries provide health care for children in need, counseling for children and families, and  the opportunity for a male and female graduating senior from a Volusia County school a $5000 scholarship to continue his and her education at an institution of higher learning.

Plans are already in place for next year to make these affairs better than 2008.  Stay tuned to www.vincecarter15.com for the 2009 dates and events.