More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players participated in the annual event to benefit the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation
More than 20 retired MLB and NFL players teamed up with more than 130 community leaders and business partners to help raise money for the AdventHealth Sebring Foundation at the Sun N Lake Golf Club on Friday.
The money raised during the Fifth Annual AdventHealth Sebring Foundation ‘Thomas “Flash” Gordon’ Celebrity Golf Tournament will support a brand new, state-of-the-art 21,000-square-foot Health and Wellness Center on the grounds of AdventHealth Sebring.
Retired MLB pitcher Thomas “Flash” Gordon hosted the event. The Avon Park native and three-time MLB All-Star won 138 games and saved 158 more during his 21-year career in the big leagues. Before the event started, Gordon thanked all the participants for joining the event and helping give back to the community he loves.
"This means so much to us in this community,” he said. “We love each and every one of you, we support each and every one of you, and we’re grateful to have this opportunity to come together. This is about the entire community coming together to raise money for such a great cause.”
Jason Dunkel, President and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula and Lake Placid, welcomed the celebrity athletes, who came from across the country to participate in the event along with local leaders, business partners and community members.
“Thank you for being here and for supporting AdventHealth in the Heartland,” Dunkel said. “We are so thankful for all your support in our ongoing mission to provide exceptional whole-person care in our community, which we are honored to be part of. Every dollar raised today will be used to help even more of our friends and neighbors live healthier, happier lives.”
AdventHealth Wauchula Vice President and Administrator Christen Johnson praised Gordon for his longtime commitment to helping those in the community.
“Thomas has been instrumental in making sure that we bring wellness to life in our Highlands and Hardee County communities,” Johnson said. “He’s given so much dedication, so much effort and so many contributions to make a difference and change lives for our patients, our families and our hospitals and we can’t be more grateful for the gift you are to us, Thomas.”
Former Baltimore Orioles star and broadcaster Ken Singleton introduced each of the celebrities before they and the golfers hit the links at the event presented by Bill Jarrett Ford of Avon Park. They included Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Boston Red Sox legend Jim Rice, Nine-time MLB All-Star Gary Sheffield, World Series Champion pitcher Mike Torrez, World Series Champion outfielder Mookie Wilson and more.
After the participants finished their rounds, the players took time to sign autographs, take photos, talk with event attendees and answer questions about their playing careers.
To learn more about the Health and Wellness Center, you can go to Sebring Wellness Center | AdventHealth Sebring.