Winners Abound at East Coast District’s 3rd Annual Charity Golf Event

For the third year, determined members of the Florida Chapter’s East Coast District have come together for a great day of golf and fellowship – raising important funds for the industry and the community.

Neil Efron, CCIM, is a founding member of the district’s annual Charity Golf Tournament and Florida CCIM member of the East Coast District.

“I estimate we raised $65,000 for JDRF and funded another $5,000 into our Wayne Kleinstiver scholarship fund,” he shared.

Efron, EVP at Noble Properties, explained that the mission of JDRF is to progressively remove the impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D) from people’s lives until a cure is found. As the global leader in the fight against T1D, JDRF’s research programs are comprehensive – addressing the hopes and dreams of every person with T1D for the best quality of life and a cure for this disease.

Efron shared that T1D is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. Presently, there is nothing you can do to prevent T1D and no known cure.

JDRF is working to change that. Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has funded more than $2 billion in diabetes research and has dramatically advanced the T1D scientific frontier and the management of this disease. To learn more, go to: http://www.jdrf.org

The well-attended tournament was held November 3rd amidst the towering pines, meandering lakes and a 670-acre wildlife sanctuary framing the picture-perfect setting of Breakers West in West Palm Beach.

“During the event we seized the opportunity to honor Wayne Kleinstiver by awarding the first annual Wayne Kleinstiver Educational Scholarship to Gretchen Krise, CCIM Candidate,” reported Terry T. Torres, CCIM, Treasurer of the East Coast District.

“It was a smashing success and kudos go out to the committee and Neil Efron for their dedication and organization in making this a signature event for the District and CCIM,” added Torres.

From left to right: the SLC Commercial, Inc. Foursome – John Auld, CCIM; Al Chiccese; Wayne Player, professional golfer (son of the famous golfer, Gary Player); Cooper Osteen; and Terry Torres, CCIM.

Neil Efron presiding over the auction

Wayne Player, professional golfer, with flag from the Master’s Golf Tournament autographed by Jack Nicklaus, together with representative from JDRF and high bidder

12-year old Zach, who spoke about being diagnosed with type I diabetes one year ago

Golf foursome with hole sponsorship sign