Winning Team: Brian Miller, Jay Rickles, Donnie Simms, and Paul Hughs.
On the perfectly sunny morning of September 14, Strelitz International Academy’s 33rd Annual Golf Tournament, affectionately known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, took place on the Bayville Golf Club course.
The Bob Josephberg Classic is SIA’s biggest fundraiser. This year, with the help of 99 sponsors, the tournament raised more than $152,000. The funds go directly towards the future of Jewish education and community leadership in Tidewater by providing financial sustainability and broader access to SIA for all families.
Following opening remarks by David Cardon, SIA board president, the players teed off in a Florida best ball style tournament. A brand new Maserati and a Mercedes from Charles Barker Automotive for the hole in one competition sponsored by Charles Barker and Towne Insurance, could be seen from the fairways.
While many events have pivoted from in-person to virtual since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, golf has remained a safe and effective way for people to gather. The Bob Josephberg Classic saw an outstanding 120 golfers and 25 volunteers turn out to support SIA.
Jason Hoffman, who participated as both a player and a sponsor, says, “All of the staff and volunteers did a great job. It was a beautiful day, well run, safe, and so much fun.”
The day was reminiscent of pre-COVID-19 tournaments with the return of the much anticipated after-play reception (which was canceled the previous year due to safety concerns), catered by The Cardo Cafe. The complete set of team scores and winners were announced during the dinner, where players mingled and relaxed after a great day on the links.
“It was truly spectacular to witness the power of participation at this year’s tournament from the players, sponsors, volunteers, and staff. Everyone was there to enjoy the day, but also to support SIA. Our entire SIA community thanks everyone who participated in making our largest fundraising event such a resounding success,” says Cardon.
The tournament was also SIA’s first in-person event since the school became the first International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years in Tidewater.
“After two years of candidacy, the Strelitz International Academy (SIA) has just received full authorization as an International Baccalaureate® World School Primary Years Program. We are proud to be the first IB® Primary Years Program World School in Tidewater! This is the culmination of years of planning, development and implementation,” says Heather Moore, head of school. “I am exceptionally proud of SIA. I want to thank all of our donors for their support during this journey to authorization. We would not be able to provide such an exceptional education for our students without our wonderful donors!”
Congratulations to the tournament’s big 1st flight winners: Brian Miller, Jay Rickles, Donnie Simms, and Paul Hughs from the Celia K. Krichman team, and to all of the other winners. SIA thanks all sponsors, players, and volunteers, for the day’s support. “We also want to especially thank Ilana and Nathan Benson for their exceptional work as event co-chairs. Although they will be stepping down from their position, their participation has made a lasting impression,” says Cardon.
Mark calendars for next year’s tournament on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club.
For more information, contact Carly Glikman, SIA director of development, at 757-424‑4327, or email cglikman@strelitzacademy.org.