Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge Announces Honorary Chairpersons

The Sanctuary Golf Club, as host and underwriting sponsor of the 13th annual Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge, on Jan. 24 announced Jim and Patty Sprankle as honorary chairpersons.

Jim and Patty Sprankle are long time island residents with a rich history of community involvement. Jim is viewed as an island treasure, being a nationally renowned bird carver, duck decoy collector, and owner of perhaps the largest collection of autographed baseballs in the country. His enormous generosity in creating and donating his bird carvings to many of the island's charitable organizations is second to none.

Jim "Birdman" Sprankle served five terms as president of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and helped build them to the nationally recognized organization that they are today. Patty is also an accomplished artist who has been creating magnificent pieces of hand-painted porcelain for many years. She has served on the Sanibel Planning Commission for years and has been active in many local organizations.

"We are, indeed, fortunate to have Jim and Patty Sprankle here on Sanibel and Captiva and to honor them as this year's Honorary Chairpersons," said Al Hanser, president of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.

There are numerous sponsorship opportunities ranging from the $7,500 Diamond Partnership, which includes additional rounds of golf, lunch, and dinner at The Sanctuary Golf Club, to a $250 Hole Partnership. All proceeds go directly to the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, which in turn distributes the funds to assist island nonprofit organizations, individual island residents and workers who have experienced hardships such as medical and financial emergencies.

"Patty and I are honored to be Honorary Co-Chairs this year for the Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge. Our challenge to everyone is to donate, contribute, or participate and in turn - we can be the highest donating year on record! As proven by the increased amount raised each year, it has grown into a meaningful fund raiser for the many recipients in need on Sanibel and Captiva. The Sanctuary Golf Club and the members are very generous in providing the Club and course for the day. Thank you to everyone! Your ongoing generosity of over $1M donated through the years demonstrates the caring nature of the citizens of Captiva and Sanibel and The Sanctuary Golf Club," Jim Sprankle said.

The Sanctuary Community Golf Challenge begins at 10:30 a.m. with a brunch, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Afterward, golfers meet at the clubhouse for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, an awards presentation, and the ever-popular helicopter drop. Show your support by participating in any part of the day or all day!

Published January 21, 2015 by the Island Reporter