On the manicured fairways of Heathrow Country Club, the sound of a perfect drive on April 16 carried a bit more weight than usual. It was a day where the competitive spirit of the scramble format was matched only by the participants’ shared dedication to feeding children in Central Florida.

The Blessings Central Florida Classic opened with its signature team scramble, a format that mirrors the organization’s own philosophy: success is a collective effort. Leading that effort was the foursome from 3MG Roofing & Solar. The team of Adam Strickland, Alec Touris, Tyler Powell and Ryan Olenek demonstrated remarkable chemistry to secure first place.

In a rare show of organizational dominance, a second 3MG Roofing & Solar squad followed closely to claim the runner-up position with teammates Connor Byrnes, Collin Rahill, Travis Campbell and John Hagan. The Hilton Orlando team of Jay Stirewalt, Chris Mueller, Francis Kahle and Tony Siciliano rounded out the top three.

For those playing the course, the day was a blend of high-level sport and high-level stakes.

“What a fantastic day — great weather, great friends, and a great cause,” said Chris Mueller of the third-place Hilton Orlando team. Mueller emphasized that the scorecard was secondary to the mission. “No child, no matter who they are or where they are from, should ever go home hungry.”

While school meals provide a foundation during the week, this tournament raises funds needed to bridge the gap over the weekend. This support allows students to return to school nourished and ready to learn, rather than distracted by hunger.

Beyond the team scramble, the day celebrated individual wins for Jeff Feinendegen, who took home the Joan L. Kidd MD Putting Challenge title, while Joe Bennage claimed the straightest drive. John Hagan and Michael Largey shared the longest drive honors.

“Celebrating Celine” Concert Anchors Evening Entertainment

The social centerpiece of the two-day event was the Jenene Caramielo “Celebrating Celine” Concert, held at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center the evening of April 16. As part of the Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Concert Series, the night’s events also included live jazz by Caesar Frazier and humorous golf parodies set to hit songs and performed by Bradley Wright.

Florida golfers bound for Windsor Castle

On April 17, the Duke of Edinburgh Cup Qualifier transformed a quiet Florida afternoon into a portal to the United Kingdom, as two golfers emerged from an elite group of contenders to trade their local spikes for a chance to play on the hallowed grounds of Windsor Castle.

Donna Matcham, hailing from New Smyrna Beach, navigated a tight field to clinch the top spot, while Tampa’s Marcus McIntyre delivered a powerhouse performance to secure second place. The victory grants them a rare invitation to the Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals this September—a journey that culminates in a gala dinner hosted by a senior member of the Royal Family.

For the winners, the opportunity feels as much like a mission as a reward.

“The energy on the course was electric, fueled by a shared commitment to our community,” said Diane LaVigna, managing director of Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida. “Sending Donna and Marcus to England is about more than golf; they are ambassadors for the thousands of children we serve who deserve a weekend free from hunger.”

The road to the finals will take the duo to the renowned Wentworth and Windlesham golf clubs, but the crown jewel of the itinerary is a match at The Royal Household Golf Club, tucked within the private estate of Windsor Castle.

“It was a perfect day where excellence was evident in every detail,” Matcham noted. “The entire experience was premier, from the first tee to the final putt.”

The tournament also highlighted a growing wave of participation among women in the region. Renice Jones of New Smyrna Beach pointed to the “ripple effect” of past champions. “Learning Dione Harrington won this qualifier in 2025 was a catalyst for us,” Jones said. “It inspired a much larger group of women to step onto the grass this year and compete for the cause.”

The competition extended beyond the top two slots. Bradley Wright of Lexington, Kentucky, demonstrated remarkable endurance, claiming the Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Cup after a grueling five-hole playoff. Meanwhile, Donald Dunivant of Panama City showcased his precision to win the Joan L. Kidd MD Fight for Life Ryder Cup Shootout.

Driving local impact

While the winners prepare for their trek across the Atlantic, the impact of their play remains at home. Proceeds from the event bolster the efforts of Blessings in a Backpack Central Florida, which provides nutritional support to school-aged children during the critical 65-hour window between Friday’s school lunch and Monday’s breakfast.

The tournament’s success was anchored by presenting sponsors the Kate & Justin Rose Foundation and Cahill Homes, alongside national event series sponsor Sysco, and national partners Red Robin and Shady Rays.

Local support was provided by a dedicated roster of sponsors, including 3MG Roofing & Solar, Lowndes, Mercedes-Benz of North Orlando, World Class Stone, Statewide Electric, Vandergrift Financial Group of Raymond James, Blenheim Palace Water, SHEEHY strategies, Slone Bros Furniture, Regency Real Estate – Blaine Dooley, Nemours Children’s Health, Hilton Orlando, Benchmark Realty, EZVA Global Virtual Assistant Services, Pixel Realty, Saint  Lawrence Title, Runabout Brewing Company, and Orlando Emergency Signal.

To view event highlights, click here to download the Results Book.