04 Mar 2019 Bohanon Foundation opens scholarship at Southwest Florida Community Foundation – Playmakers Tailgate Party at Collaboratory planned for May 11
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, operated by local NFL player Tommy Bohanon and his wife Katie, have started the Tommy Bohanon Scholarship Fund at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.
After playing for North Fort Myers High School and graduating in 2008, Bohanon went on to play at Wake Forest and later for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a fullback. He is widely known for his 14-yard receiving touchdown in the 45-42 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC playoffs.
Bohanon, and his wife Katie, founded The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, in 2017 that supports young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the field. Both were raised in Southwest Florida and recognize the opportunities young athletes can obtain. They also recognize the obstacles that youth in this area often face that prohibit them from reaching their highest potential.
“Our Foundation’s mission is to fill the void youth in Southwest Florida often face and assist young athletes to excel in all aspects of life,” said Tommy Bohanon. “Our vision is to ensure that generational poverty discontinues through the young athletes that are a part of our programs.”
Through their Foundation’s programs, including an annual summer football camp and a new 7-on-7 tournament, they are able to serve Southwest Florida’s young athletes ranging from first to 8th grade, as well as develop high school level athletes into future leaders in our community through volunteer and scholarship opportunities.
Proceeds from their events, and other fundraising, provides the funding for the Foundation’s scholarships and Sports Equipment Grant.
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship fund is available to any high school senior athlete in Southwest Florida who has demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and excellence in education to receive financial aid for their academic future.
On May 11, 2019, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation will host a Playmakers Tailgate Party at Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers from 5 to 9 p.m. The event is an opportunity for business owners and leaders in Southwest Florida to learn about how the Tommy Bohanon Foundation is impacting the youth in our community. Corporate sponsorship packages are available from $1,000 and auction donations are being accepted by emailing [email protected].
The event will include silent and live auctions, raffles, food, drinks and awards. Tickets are $85 and space is limited. Registration opens on April 1 at TommyBohanonFoundation.org.
About the Southwest Florida Community Foundation
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation partners with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation invested $6.8 million in grants and programs to the community. With assets of more than $126 million, it has provided $78.2 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan. The Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s regional headquarters are now located in the historic ACL Train Depot at Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers, with a satellite office located in LaBelle (Hendry County). For more information, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com