Not so long ago, the winds from Hurricane Irma were strong enough to send a well-hit golf ball flying from Tampa Bay right into Georgia. But throughout the storm, Big Bend Power Station stayed safe and reliable, generating power the community needed as TECO crews and others repaired the storm-damaged electrical system – helping ensure that Big Bend’s power reached tens of thousands of homes.
More than 250 TECO team members and contractors, many from Big Bend Power Station, again showed that same rock-solid resiliency and commitment to the community at the 21st annual Big Bend Golf Tournament, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help people in need.
On the planning committee for the tournament, which happened at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor earlier this year, were David Hagelberg, manager of Flue Gas Desulfurization Operations; Vivienne Davis, administrative assistant; Karen Zwolak, manager of Environmental Big Bend; Jack Prestwood, manager of Coalfield and Byproducts; David Knapp, manager of Maintenance; Kenji Plennert, manager of Maintenance Planning and Contract Services, Vicki Lamb, administrative specialist lead; Terry Miller, manager of Operations; Tom Berry, manager of Engineering; and Big Bend Power Station Director Ron Bishop, who had praise for many others.
“I’d like to thank all the TECO team members and especially the contractors for their outstanding support year after year,” Bishop said. “This year’s fundraiser continues to allow us to provide much needed assistance throughout the community.”
Mary & Martha House’s Executive Director Laurie Kepler added praise of her own for the efforts of all involved.
“Generous gifts such as yours are very important to our continued success and are appreciated not only by Mary & Martha House, but by the women and children in our shelters. Thank you again for your continuing support of Mary & Martha House and our mission.”
Funds raised at the tournament went to the following local charities and others in need:
- $25,000 donation to Mary & Martha House in Ruskin.
- $5,000 donation to Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Wimauma.
- $20,000 in donations for scholarships awarded to East Bay High School graduates to help with college expenses
- $2,500 donation to Buddy Baseball.
- $10,000 to other donations for additional charitable causes in the Tampa Bay area.
“I’m proud to thank our many contractors, vendors and over 25 volunteers – it’s refreshing to see more people who share TECO’s commitment to being a positive force in the community,” Hagelberg said. “People love the fellowship and look forward to the tournament each year. I think I can speak for everyone at Big Bend to say that we love the chance to help people who need it with an event that, for us, is like no other.”
Tournament costs and donations were funded by the participant fees, including contributions from our contractors.
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