The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee It Up FORE Kids,” benefiting The Heights Center Early Learning program, will take place on Friday, April 21, at The Shell Point Golf Club, 17500 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers. The tournament honors Scott, a long-time board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning (formerly GLAD Kids). The event’s proceeds benefit The Heights Center Early Learning, an organization that supports more than 80 children from birth through age four. A part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, The Heights Center Early Learning’s mission is to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare. Children read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents provide for their families. The Early Learning program has a five-star rating from The Early Learning Coalition.

The event is sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust and Susan Scott.

Registration is from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The shotgun start is at 8:30 a.m., with lunch and awards following the tournament.

“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Pat Ostrom, tournament coordinator. “The Heights Center Early Learning provides a stable, nurturing environment and means the parents can further their education and participate in the workforce.”

Tournament Registration is now available. The registration deadline is Friday, April 14.

Registration is $150 per golfer or $550 for a foursome. In addition, sponsorships that include golf packages and recognition are available. For more information, visit heightsfoundation.org/forthekids or call Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or email annie@heightsfoundation.org.

About The Heights Foundation, The Heights Center, and The Heights Early Learning

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment. Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old. The Heights Center serves 134 children in AfterSchool and Summer Camp. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 180 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

Source: The Heights Foundation