The Marti Huizenga PAWS on the Green Women’s Golf Tournament, presented by Rita & Rick Case Automotive Group, celebrated its 25th anniversary on October 30. The location since its inception has been Grande Oaks Golf Club in Fort Lauderdale, and this year’s Silver Jubilee theme was, appropriately, “Bling it on for PAWS.” Chairs Nina Figur and Kelly Koenig were delighted with the event’s success in bringing in over $80,000 for the Humane Society of Broward County.

To kick off the celebration, golfers enjoyed a pre-tournament cocktail party, generously hosted by Kelly and Keith Koenig.  The evening included a putting contest with Rita Case as the winner and Leslie Sponder successfully sifted through sand to find the largest diamond in the Diamond Dig. Guests were also able to purchase items from vendors that were in attendance and a percentage of all sales that evening benefited PAWS. 

The following day, guests arrived at Grande Oaks Golf Club and enjoyed a delicious brunch before heading out on the course.  Attendees could also purchase prize drawing tickets for the chance to win a stunning one-of-a-kind diamond dog bone necklace, generously donated by J.R. Dunn Jewelers; the lucky winner was Dawn Dellapina. A silent auction was another addition to the day’s activities and a special presentation was held thanking the volunteers of the tournament. Those volunteers who have participated for a decade or more were recognized.

Bling was the theme of the day, and J.R. Dunn Jewelers certainly made things shine with the dazzling collection of jewelry they displayed for sale. A portion of all sales was donated to PAWS.

There were several on-course contests to play, including “Buy the Pro” where players met George Haggerty and his dog Sky (the crowd favorite!). Sky is George’s best caddy, and she amazed the crowd when she would tee up the ball for him before he drives.

Once players returned from the course they were invited to participate in a fun-filled putting contest.  Guests then enjoyed an awards dinner reception, held amid the sparkles and bling of a festively adorned room. They participated in the Poem Game, a beloved tradition throughout the years. This year, to mark the 25^th anniversary, instead of one winner at every table, everyone was declared a winner. A live auction showcased unique Fort Lauderdale Winterfest experiences, tickets to the Phoenix Open, and a luxury Ocean Reef experience.

The overall net winners for PAWS on the Green were Monica Correll, Carol Glunt, Ginny Miller and Cindy Montalvo. The overall gross winners were Pat Case, Ann Fulginiti, Debe Schwedler and Kerry O’Donoghue.

PAWS would like to thank their generous sponsors, tee sign sponsors and underwriters:  Rita & Rick Case Automotive Group,  CITY Furniture, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Jorg Morgan, Nova Southeastern University, JJ Dental, Sarz Entertainment, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Christine and Austin Forman, Pace Barnes, Glowtology - Dr. Stefani Green, Michelle Howland, Ginny Miller, Sheri Whittington, J.R. Dunn Jewelers,  An Unlikely Pear, Debbi Baldwin, Pat Case, Jodi Corn, Monica Correll, Dawn Dellapina, Dianne Davant & Associates, Durée & Company, Nina Figur, GarciaStromberg, Grande Oaks Golf Club, George Haggerty, Carmen Hotchkiss, Hotte Aire, Ellen Jackson, Darlene & Dennis Jordan, Kelly & Keith Koenig, Laird International, Delores Lastinger, LOVEthirteen, Ann Marie & Harry Moon, The Nikki Hanna Real Estate Group, Laura & Jim O’Connor, Sixth Star Entertainment, Jean Smith, Jamie Stiles, Theme Dresser, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Valentin Creative.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization supported by donations from people and companies who what to help make a difference.  The shelter is not affiliated with any local or national group with a similar name.  To learn more about the HSBC, PAWS, see pets for adoption or to make a donation visit www.humanebroward.com .