July Foundation Spotlight: Empowering Veterans Through Golf with Mark Cammarene, PGA, and the SFPGA Foundation
As the PGA General Manager at Fairwinds Golf Course, Mark Cammarene has been a PGA of America Golf Professional for over 25 years, but it wasn’t until six years ago that Cammarene got involved with the South Florida PGA Foundation.
Cammarene's journey with the South Florida PGA Foundation began with his initial interest in expanding Fairwinds' support of Veterans beyond the annual Patriot Golf Day.
"When I saw the information about PGA HOPE, I knew that was something I would love to be involved with," Cammarene recalled. Hosting one program led to the effortless decision to continue offering this valuable resource, time and time again.
The SFPGA Foundation, through PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), has benefitted over 1,500 Veterans and Active-Duty Military personnel in the local community since 2015. The program's focus on leveraging the game of golf as a tool for rehabilitation and social reintegration has consistently proved to be an invaluable resource for Veterans seeking support beyond their service.
"It is so striking the way the Veterans just want to give back," reflected Cammarene. "An early participant, Jim Leschinsky, completed the program, approached me eager to get further involved with the game, and even helped with the club's Special Olympics programs. Again, this all grew out of PGA HOPE."
Under Cammarene's leadership, Fairwinds has proudly hosted nine PGA HOPE programs, positively impacting more than 150 Veterans since 2018.
"I encourage any PGA Member, wherever they are, to get involved with the program," said Cammarene. The level of appreciation that comes back to you is unexpected and really makes you want to continue being involved and helping these men and women."
The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the south Florida community, focusing on military, junior golf, and education. The South Florida PGA Foundation falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of 2,000 men and women PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf.
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