News

Donate Today to help us reach our 1 Million Dollar milestone in resources provided to community through JT Townsend Foundation.
 
AND join us CFH Event June 4th and 5th 2021:  

CFH2021.eventbrite.com

With your help we can continue supporting the disabled community and funding critical pancreatic research!

CHAMPIONS FOR HOPE CONTINUES TO GIVE ON FIRST COAST

FUNDS SUPPORT PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH AT MAYO CLINIC

October 7, 2020–Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation continues to support early detection and research to support Pancreatic Cancer advancements. Champions for Hope has raised more than $1.8 Million since the program’s inception to benefit two important causes in Northeast Florida, including a grant to fund important pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic and support for adults and children living with disabilities on the First Coast through The JT Townsend Foundation.

Despite canceling its 2020 event schedule because of COVID-19, the Foundation had a successful fundraising year. “We are committed to continuing to raise awareness for the tremendous needs of two important causes,” said Judi Zitiello, who is the managing director of the Funk-Zitiello Foundation and a six-year survivor of pancreatic cancer. “We are grateful to all of our partners for their incredible support this year. Together, we are truly changing lives and saving lives,” added Zitiello.

On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, The Funk-Zitiello Foundation visited TPC Sawgrass to present a check to Mayo Clinic for $275,000 to support funding of critical research efforts. The Foundation’s gift supports a team of 10 physicians and scientists at Mayo Clinic, including Peter Storz, Ph.D., and Michael Wallace, MD, MPH, who are working together to find early detection methods for pancreatic cancer. Early detection would significantly improve care because most patients with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at stage IV, when the disease is much harder to treat.

“Champions For Hope has enabled our Pancreatic Cancer Discovery and Translation Team [PCDT] to focus intensively on finding pancreatic cancer at its earliest, curable stage,” said Dr. Wallace, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida, who is the Fred C. Andersen Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic and the co-director of the PCDT team. “We have made substantial progress on identifying novel biomarkers in the pancreatic juice that is secreted into the intestine, where it can be sampled during a routine endoscopy,” Dr. Wallace said. “The team is also studying whether these and similar markers can be detected less invasively in saliva, blood or stool specimens. We have also developed and validated an “app,” which is electronically sent to new GI patients and identifies individuals who may be at increased risk for pancreatic cancer, based on family history and other risk factors. Our group is also broadly researching basic laboratory discoveries that will foster future clinical breakthroughs.”

Funk-Zitiello Foundation

The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. Since the program’s inception, Champions For Hope has supported two local causes: Pancreatic Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic and the JT Townsend Foundation to help families on the First Coast who are living with disabilities.

Contacts

For more information and media inquiries:  

Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. pgerry@azmarkinc.com 904-728-4722

To donate: visit www.championsforhopegolf.com/donate or mail check to:

Funk-Zitiello Foundation, 830 N. Florida A1A, Suite 13 #187, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (write Champions for Hope) in the memo section.

To get involved or learn more: visit  ChampionsForHopeGolf.com or email info@championsforhopegolf.com

Donate Today to help us reach our 1 Million Dollar milestone in resources provided to community through JT Townsend Foundation.
 
AND join us June 5th-6th for the 4th Annual Night Of Inspiration event:  

CFHNightOfInspiration2020.eventbrite.com

With your help we can continue supporting the disabled community and funding critical pancreatic research!

 

Fred Funk & Tommy Zitiello Launch 4th Annual Champions For Hope Gala & Golf Classic Successful Event Funds Pancreas Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic 

September 4, 2019– Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation hosted the 3rd annual Champions for Hope Gala & Celebrity Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass, home of The PLAYERS, on June 7-8, 2019. The charity gala and golf tournament, which raised more than $700,000, will benefit two important causes in our Northeast Florida community–a grant to fund important pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic and support for adults and children living with disabilities on the First Coast through The JT Townsend Foundation. 

The weekend event was presented by Title Partner Ally Financial® and sponsored by Swisher International, First Coast News, AutoNation, PGA TOUR, Celgene, Montoya & Associates, CDZ Sales, Florida Blue, IPSEN, Team 1, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Kash Krisnarao plus several other organizations and individual sponsors across the Nation. 

Funk-Zitiello Foundation’s Managing Director, Judi Zitiello, is a five-year pancreatic cancer survivor, and this event is truly part of her own journey to accelerate advancements in pancreatic cancer research. “This year we wanted to continue raising awareness for the tremendous needs of these two important causes. Thank you to all of the partners for their incredible support this year and for helping us provide hope to those who need it most. What we are doing together is truly changing lives and saving lives,” said Judi Zitiello. 

On Monday, July 29, 2019, The Funk-Zitiello Foundation visited the Pancreatic Cancer Research laboratory located in the Griffin Research Building at Mayo to present a check for $450K to support funding of critical research efforts. The Foundation connects regularly with Peter Storz, PhD, and the clinicians who work daily to find an early detection method for pancreatic cancer. 

Michael Wallace, MD, MPH, and Dr. Storz are part of a team of 10 physicians and scientists at Mayo Clinic who are using the foundation’s funds to perform research to develop early detection techniques for pancreatic cancer. Improvements in early detection would significantly improve care because most patients with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed at stage IV, when the disease has spread beyond the pancreas, to other organs, and is much harder to treat. 

“We’re researching new early detection methods to find the early warning signs of the disease and change the way we treat pancreas cancer,” said Dr. Wallace. “Our specific goal is to identify biological and imaging markers that indicate a person has, or soon will develop, pancreas cancer when it is still at a curable stage,” he added. 

The program leverages existing expertise in biomedical discovery, biomarker detection, advanced imaging technology and clinical applications. The program has already, and will continue to identify, validate and apply methods to detect advanced pre-invasive lesions (PanIn-3, High grade dysplasia) and early, curable cancers (T1N0MO). 

To date, Champions For Hope has given $1.35M to Mayo Clinic in just three years, and the funds go directly to support three research projects. 

For Tommy Zitiello, one of the Co-Founders of Champions for Hope, this event was personal. “Our third annual event was a huge success working alongside Co-Founder and friend Fred Funk and the Champions for Hope event team. In 2019, our Title Partner Ally Financial® again helped to elevate the event beyond our greatest expectations with support and a team of more than 80 volunteers. I am honored to be a part of this Foundation to continue to help others in our Northeast Florida community,” said Tommy Zitiello. 

Funk-Zitiello Foundation The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. The 3rd year event supported two local causes: a grant to fund pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic and the JT Townsend Foundation to help families living with disabilities 

Contacts

For more information and media inquiries:

Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. pgerry@azmarkinc.com

904-728-4722 

To donate: visit www.championsforhopegolf.com/donate or mail check to:

Text to Pledge Today: 904.530.2331 

To get involved or learn more: visit ChampionsForHopeGolf.com or email info@championsforhopegolf.com 

Fred Funk & Tommy Zitiello Launch 3rd Annual Champions For Hope Gala & Golf Classic

Successful Event Funds Pancreas Cancer Research & Helps the First Coast Disabled Community

June 17, 2019– Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation hosted the 3rd annual

Champions for Hope Gala & Celebrity Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass, home of The PLAYERS, on June 7-8, 2019.

The charity gala and golf tournament, which raised more than $700,000 will benefit two important causes in our Northeast Florida community–a grant to fund important pancreas cancer research through Mayo Clinic and support for adults and children living with disabilities on the First Coast through The JT Townsend Foundation. The weekend event was presented by Title Partner Ally Financial® and sponsored by Swisher International, First Coast News, AutoNation, PGA TOUR, Celgene, Montoya & Associates, CDZ Sales, Florida Blue, IPSEN, Team 1, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Kash Krisnarao plus several other organizations and individual sponsors across the Nation.

Funk-Zitiello Foundation’s Managing Director, Judi Zitiello, is a five-year pancreatic cancer survivor and this event is truly a personal journey for her. “This year we wanted to continue raising awareness for the tremendous needs of these two important causes. Thank you to all of the partners for their incredible support this year and for helping us provide hope to those who need it most. What we are doing together is truly changing lives and saving lives,” said Judi Zitiello.

The weekend kicked off with a breakfast and program at Mayo Clinic, featuring a team of Mayo doctors, researchers and clinicians. In attendance were Funk-Zitiello Foundation and JT Townsend Board Members, Champions for Hope Golf Sponsors and pancreas cancer survivors and families. The doctors from Mayo shared promising advancements in their research to develop new treatments and tools for non-invasive, early detection of Pancreas Cancer. Proceeds from Champions for Hope are fueling this progress.

“We’re bringing new tools, such as artificial intelligence, to pancreas cancer research to find the early warning signs of the disease and change the way we treat it,” said Dr. Michael Wallace, M.D., MPH, gastroenterologist and co-director, Pancreatic Cancer Discovery and Translation Team, Mayo Clinic. “We have a lot of reason to be optimistic about the future and that’s why the funding from Champions for Hope is so important,” added Dr. Wallace.”

“In addition to improving early diagnosis, we need to find a way to break pancreas cancer’s resistance to therapies and our body’s immune system,” said Dr. Kabir Mody, a consultant in hematology and oncology and assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic. “We’re making exciting progress on that front, as well, and we’re grateful to have the continued support of Champions for Hope and everyone who supports the tournament,” added Dr. Mody.

For Fred Funk, one of the Co-Founders of Champions for Hope, this event was personal. “Our third annual event was a huge success working alongside Co-Founder and friend Tommy Zitiello and the Champions for Hope event team. In 2019, our Title Partner Ally Financial® helped to elevate the event beyond our greatest expectations with the support and team of more than 80 volunteers. I am honored to be a part of this Foundation to continue to help others in our Northeast Florida community,” said Funk.The Champions for Hope weekend included a Friday evening Gala, hosted at TPC Sawgrass. A dinner, silent and live auction, and performance by The RiverTown Band made for the perfect evening. Over 250 guests attended the Gala, and more than a dozen local celebrities shared in both the gala and golf tournament. Celebrity guests included Len Mattiace, Curtis Dvorak Josh Lambo, Bryan Barker, Jeff Klauk, Bob Dickson, Todd Philcox, Tom McManus, Adam Podlash and many more.

The JT Townsend Gospel Choir made for an uplifting start to the morning at the famed TPC Stadium course. Local food and beverage partners and vendors were featured on every hole, with golf challenges incorporated throughout the day. Curtis Dvorak spent the entire day at The Stadium Course legendary “Island Green” Hole 17, greeting each foursome that came through with his big smile and a friendly challenge to beat his shot at the green and had his first-ever, hole-in-one (from his knees) on the famous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass!

To make the day complete, Ponte Vedra’s John Craig Clothier presented Champions for Hope Purple Jackets to the Florida Blue and CDZ Sales teams who tied to win the tournament.

Funk-Zitiello Foundation

The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. The 3rd year event supported two local causes: the JT Townsend Foundation to help families living with disabilities and a grant to fund pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic. To date,   JT Townsend Foundation has helped over 450 families with more than $825,000 in adaptive equipment/assistance.

Contacts

For more information and media inquiries:  Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. pgerry@azmarkinc.com                 904-728-4722.

 

To donate: visit www.championsforhopegolf.com/donate or mail check to:

Funk-Zitiello Foundation, 830 N. Florida A1A, Suite 13 #187, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (write Champions for Hope) in the memo section.

 

Text to Pledge Today: 904.530.2331

 

To get involved or learn more: visit  ChampionsForHopeGolf.com or emailinfo@championsforhopegolf.com

Mayo Clinic Researchers Develop Early Pancreatic Cancer Detection Algorithm – March 28, 2019

We are extremely excited to report on an exciting breakthrough in Pancreatic Cancer Research. In a collaboration between computer scientist of the University of Central Florida and Mayo Clinic, researchers have formed an algorithm that assists in detecting early stages of Pancreatic Cancer. Read the full story below:

https://discoverysedge.mayo.edu/2019/03/20/researchers-develop-algorithm-to-help-detect-early-pancreatic-tumors/

Champions for Hope Top Rate Nonprofit – Oct. 22, 2018

We are so grateful our community has selected our organization as one of the 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofits using GreatNonprofits. We’re among a distinguished few to receive this community endorsement. Thank you for your contributions! https://greatnonprofits.org/org/funk-zitiello-foundation

Mayo Clinic Check Presentation – Aug. 20, 2018

Fred Funk & Tommy Zitiello Host 2nd Annual Champions For Hope Event Gala & Golf Classic Presented by Ally®

Click here to read the press release.

Funds Raised Help the First Coast Disabled Community & Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research

January 8, 2018 – Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Champions for Hope Gala and Golf Classic with a new Title Sponsor, Ally Financial®. The weekend festivities will be held on June 15 and 16, 2018 and will include a charity gala and golf tournament held at TPC Sawgrass, home of the PLAYERS. This special event will benefit two important causes in our community – The JT Townsend Foundation and a grant to fund important pancreatic cancer research through the Mayo Clinic.

The JT Townsend Foundation continues to focus its efforts on helping children and adults living with disabilities receive adaptive equipment and resources to improve their lives. Since inception, the JT Townsend Foundation has helped 285 families with over $600,000 in assistance and adaptive equipment right here on the First Coast.

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville continues to pioneer research to find early detection methods for pancreatic cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.

Judi Zitiello, Funk-Zitiello Foundation’s Managing Director, is a three-year pancreatic cancer survivor and this event is truly a personal journey for her. “I believe God gave me this time to make a difference. I choose to keep going in honor of all the champions who are no longer with us and those in the fight of their lives. We so appreciate our partners who have joined us to give hope to those who need it most,” said Judi Zitiello.

“We’re honored to support Champions for Hope and its incredible work,” said Tim Russi, Ally President of auto finance. “We share the team’s passion and commitment to giving back in ways that make a real difference and ‘Do It Right’ in the communities we serve. We hope their life-changing work serves as inspiration for others to give.”

The 2018 Champions for Hope weekend presented by Ally and supported by PGA TOUR, First Coast News, Swisher International and other companies will kick off on Friday evening with a gala that will be an inspirational evening to remember. The gala will include dinner, a silent and live auction, and entertainment by the Chris Thomas Band at the exclusive TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse.

Celebrities and guests will tee off Saturday morning at the famous TPC Stadium Course. Fred Funk, Blake Bortles, PGA TOUR golfers, Jacksonville Jaguar players and other celebrities attended the event last year. Ponte Vedra’s John Craig Clothier will present the winning foursome with custom fitted “Champions for Hope Purple Jackets.”

About Funk-Zitiello Foundation

The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and establishing initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. The 2018 weekend event held on June 15-16th will support two local causes: the JT Townsend Foundation to help families living with disabilities and a grant to fund pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic.

About Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial services company and a top 25 U.S. financial holding company offering financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients. Ally’s legacy dates back to 1919, and the company was redesigned in 2009 with a distinctive brand, innovative approach and relentless focus on its customers. Ally has an award-winning online bank (Ally Bank Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender), one of the largest full service auto finance operations in the country, a complementary auto-focused insurance business, a growing digital wealth management and online brokerage platform, and a trusted corporate finance business offering capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. The company had approximately $164.0 billion in assets as of September 30, 2017. For more information, visit the Ally press room at https://media.ally.com or follow Ally on Twitter: @AllyFinancial.

Contacts

For more information and media inquiries:

Champions For Hope

Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. pgerry@azmarkinc.com 904-728-4722.

Ally®

Brenda Rios, Brenda.rios@ally.com 313-656-6809.

To donate:

Visit: www.championsforhopegolf.com/donate or mail check to:

Funk-Zitiello Foundation, 830 N. Florida A1A, Suite 13 #187, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082               (write Champions for Hope) in the memo section.

To get involved or learn more:

Email:    info@championsforhopegolf.com

Follow:    On Facebook @ChampionsForHopeGolf or Twitter @Champions4Hope

Funding Totaling $550,000 Presented to Mayo Clinic Research

Jacksonville, FL – August 23, 2017 – Purple filled the Kinne Auditorium at Mayo Clinic on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, as Judith Zitiello, Managing Director of The Funk-Zitiello Foundation, dealt another direct blow to pancreatic cancer.

Zitiello presented a check for $250,000 to Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., CEO for Mayo Clinic in Florida. As a direct result of Funk-Zitiello Foundation’s “Champions for Hope” golf event held June 16-17, 2017, at TPC Sawgrass, Mayo Research has received funds totaling $550,000. The group consisting of The Florida Pancreas Cancer Coalition, a local donor who has asked to remain anonymous and The Funk-Zitiello Foundation agreed that by joining hands they could make a larger impact on research as well as raising community consciousness about pancreatic cancer slated to become the second deadliest cancer by 2020.

“We are ready to help end pancreatic cancer by providing much-needed funding for research focusing on early detection,” says Zitiello. “As a pancreatic cancer survivor, I know that early detection can mean life. We want to help others fighting this battle”, added Zitiello.

In attendance from Mayo Clinic were: Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., Michael Wallace, M.D., John “Al” Copland, Ph.D., Horacio Asbun, M.D., Kabir Mody, M.D., Peter Storz, Ph.D., and Tushar Patel, M.B., Ch.B. “It is time to strongly promote public awareness about this disease, to increase funding for research, and make progress so that treatment becomes equivalent to other types of cancers. This progress is long overdue,” commented Dr. Asbun. Several pancreatic cancer survivors came to support the work being done on their behalf and that of others touched by this disease. Loyal supporters of the Funk-Zitiello Foundation and Champions for Hope event from Ally Financial, Arthrax, Chris Thomas Band, First Coast News, Florida Pancreas Cancer Coalition, John Craig Clothier, JT Townsend Foundation, Montoya & Assoc., Peterbrooke Chocolatier, PGA Tour, Sanchez Wealth Management, Servpro Jacksonville South & Arlington, Swisher International and TPC Sawgrass attended the presentation.

Funk-Zitiello Foundation
The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. The inaugural event supported two local causes: the JT Townsend Foundation to help families living with disabilities and a grant to fund pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic. Next year’s Champions For Hope Gala & Golf Classic will be held on June 15 & 16, 2018 at TPC Sawgrass Marriott and TPC Stadium Course. To get involved or learn more: visit ChampionsForHopeGolf.com or email info@championsforhopegolf.com.

For more information & media inquiries:
Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. 904-728-4722 pgerry@azmarkinc.com

Join us for this amazing celebrity golf tournament at the world-renowned TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra, FL next June 15 and 16!

Participants will have the opportunity to join Champions Tour player and 2005 Players Champion, Fred Funk, local businessman Tommy Zitiello and local sports personalities in a special, two-day event that celebrates giving back to two important local charities.

The event will also include an evening concert on the night of June 15 with special guests to be announced.

Inaugural Champions for Hope Gala & Golf Classic raises over $880K for Northeast Florida charities

July 5, 2017 – Ponte Vedra, Fla. – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation launched the first annual Champions for Hope Gala & Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS, on June 16 and 17.  The charity gala and golf tournament, which raised $881,000, will benefit two important causes in our Northeast Florida community– The JT Townsend Foundation and a grant to fund important pancreatic cancer research through the Mayo Clinic. The weekend event was sponsored by the PGA TOUR, First Coast News, plus many other organizations across the First Coast.

JT Townsend board chair Judi Zitiello is a three-year pancreatic cancer survivor and this event is truly a personal journey for her.

“I truly believe God gave me this time to make a difference. I choose to keep going in honor of all the champions who are no longer with us and all those in the fight of their lives. Thank you for partnering with us and giving hope to those who need it most,” said Zitiello.

The weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with a roundtable discussion at Mayo Clinic, featuring a team of doctors, researchers and clinicians at Mayo Clinic, the Champions For Hope Golf Event Team, and JT Townsend Foundation Board of Directors.

A team of doctors from Mayo discussed exciting and promising projects to support early detection of pancreatic cancer. Dr. Horacio Asbun, Chair of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic helped to lead the discussion and commented, “It is time to strongly promote public awareness about this disease in order to be able to raise funds for research, and make progress equivalent to the progress made for other types of cancers. The proceeds raised from the Champions for Hope weekend will be critical in the advancement of research towards early detection of pancreatic cancer,” added Dr. Asbun.

The Champions for Hope weekend included a Friday evening Gala, hosted at TPC Sawgrass. A dinner silent and live auction, and performance by the Chris Thomas Band made for the perfect evening. Over two hundred guests attended the Gala, and more than a dozen local celebrities attended over the weekend, including 2005 PLAYERS champion Fred Funk, Dave Caldwell, Doug Marrone, Blake Bortles, Mark Brunell, Curtis Dvorak, Mike Goodes, Jeff Klauk, Blaine McCallister, Dan Nevins and many more.

For co-host Funk, this event was personal. “Being part of this day was magical; working side by side with long time friend, Tommy Zitiello, their event team of more than 80 volunteers was incredible. To top the event off by hitting a hole in one on the island 17 hole, will forever be a special memory to last a lifetime. I am honored to be a part of this event and to help others in our Northeast Florida community,” said Funk.

Funk spent the entire day on the Stadium course’s famed 17th hole, greeting each foursome that came through with a hearty handshake and a friendly challenge to beat his shot at the green. He just happened to hit his first-ever ace on the island green as Tommy Zitiello’s group came to the hole.

To make the day complete, Ponte Vedra’s John Craig Clothier presented the first-ever Champions for Hope purple jackets to the winning foursome, which included guests from First Coast News & SERVPRO Jacksonville South/Arlington.

John Craig Clothiers (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) Promoting Champions for Hope

The winning foursome will each receive a purple jacket.

Prepping the Big Prize at Peterbrooke Chocolatier

That chocolate covered popcorn is making our mouths water. The highest bidder will walk away with the huge basket full of goodies!

Press Release for the Big Event: 

Fred Funk & Tommy Zitiello Host Inaugural Champions For Hope Gala & Golf Classic

Funds Raised Help the First Coast Disabled Community & Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research

June 14, 2017 – Ponte Vedra, Fla. – The Funk-Zitiello Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the 1st Annual Champions for Hope Gala and Golf Classic at TPC Sawgrass, home of the PLAYERS on June 16 and 17, 2017.  The charity gala and golf tournament will benefit two important causes in our community – The JT Townsend Foundation and a grant to fund important pancreatic cancer research through the Mayo Clinic.

The JT Townsend Foundation continues to focus its efforts on helping children and adults living with disabilities receive adaptive equipment and resources to improve their lives. Since inception, the JT Townsend Foundation has helped 264 families with $549,668 in assistance and adaptive equipment right here on the First Coast.

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville continues to pioneer research to find early detection methods for pancreatic cancer, the third leading cause of cancer related death in the United States.

JT Townsend Board Chair Judi Zitiello is a three-year pancreatic cancer survivor and this event is truly a personal journey for her.  “I truly believe God gave me this time to make a difference. I choose to keep going in honor of all the champions who are no longer with us and all those in the fight of their lives. Thank you for partnering with us and giving hope to those who need it most,” said Judi Zitiello.

The Champions for Hope weekend, sponsored by PGA TOUR and First Coast News and several other partners, will kick off on Friday evening with a gala that will be an inspirational evening to remember.  The gala will include dinner, a silent and live auction, and a private concert by the Chris Thomas Band at TPC Sawgrass.  Guests will tee off Saturday morning at the exclusive TPC Stadium course. Ponte Vedra’s John Craig Clothier will present the first-ever “Champions for Hope Purple Jackets” to the winning foursome. Celebrities guests include: Fred Funk, Blake Bortles, Mark Brunell, Curtis Dvorak, Mike Goodes, Jeff Klauk, Blaine McCallister, Dan Nevins, and many more.

Funk-Zitiello Foundation

The Funk-Zitiello Foundation was launched in 2016 by 2005 PLAYERS Champion, Fred Funk and local businessman Tommy Zitiello. The mission of the foundation is to to help the community by taking the challenges of individuals and turning them into initiatives that can provide hope and funding to those dealing with extraordinary obstacles. The inaugural weekend June 16-17, 2017 will support two local causes:  the JT Townsend Foundation to help families living with disabilities and a grant to fund pancreatic cancer research through Mayo Clinic.

Contacts

For more information and media inquiries:  Pauline Gerry, AZMARK, Inc. pgerry@azmarkinc.com 904-728-4722.

To donate: visit www.championsforhopegolf.com/donate or mail check to:

Funk-Zitiello Foundation, 830 N. Florida A1A, Suite 13 #187, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (write Champions for Hope) in the memo section.

To get involved or learn more: visit  ChampionsForHopeGolf.com or email info@championsforhopegolf.com

Champions for Hope featured on firstcoastnews.com 

The Funks and the Zitiellos became fast Fred Funk and Tommy Zitiello smile.friends when they were neighbors in Ponte Vedra Beach. Now their names are intertwined in a new effort to support two causes that are close to their collective hearts.

Pro golfer Fred Funk and wife, Sharon, and businessman Tommy Zitiello and wife, Judi, have established the Funk-Zitiello Foundation, which will have the Champions for Hope Celebrity Golf Classic Friday and Saturday at TPC Sawgrass.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to the JT Townsend Foundation, formed by a paralyzed Jacksonville teen who wanted to help other disabled people, and toward pancreatic cancer research at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

Read the rest of the article here.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1512578811794{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“We are blessed to have Angelia as our co-host at the Champions For Hope Celebrity Golf gala. In addition to her heart for others,  Angelia has ties to pancreatic cancer with a dear friend currently in battle. We know she is co-hosting this event from her heart.” Judi Zitiello

Title Winner • Media Personality • Advocate

Angelica Savage smiles.Although she may be best known as a former Miss Florida USA, Angelia Savage is also part world traveler, part media personality, and part advocate that sees her TV and radio hosting career as a platform for sharing her journey of living life with purpose.

With interests in interior design, global travel, golf, and a good glass of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir she is multi-passionate, but laser focused on inspiring others, particularly women, to rise to the best of their ability by leveraging their unique experiences.

Trump Spa & Triumph

Before she launched her media career, Donald Trump hired her to be the Spa Director of The Trump Spa at Mar-a-Lago after he recognized her star potential when she won the title of Miss Florida USA and Second Runner-up at Miss USA.

After some time traveling the globe, designing and transforming homes, and representing the city of West Palm Beach as a local television personality for Channel 18 WPTV, she has recently moved back home to Jacksonville to help care for her 94 year old grandmother and is currently a certified foster child care parent.

Co-Host & Conversation

Angelia is currently a co-host on The Chat on First Coast News and known for her work as a radio co-host and personality on WOKV 104.5 FM Woman’s Worth, a woman’s program promoting health and wealth. Angelia is also a regular contributor or co-host of The Conversation, a medical radio program related to health and wellness.

Through personal appearances and on-air programming, her commitment is to bring you the very best of what she’s experienced and to shed light on the good people and work being done in Jacksonville. Angelia aims to give you a much needed positive fix!

With level-headed yet light-hearted advice, Angelia inspires others to take charge of their lives, love their families and boost their communities.

Meet Dan Nevins at the Tournament!

Dan Nevins is a professional inspirational speaker and Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga teacher. He shares his story of service on and off of the battlefield, as well as the lessons he has learned in a decade post injury as a bilateral below the knee amputee. His story of how yoga rescued him from darkness continues to be his source of inspiration to lead fellow wounded warriors around the country to their yoga mats. Dan’s story is inspiring leaders, professionals, yogis and teachers across the country to step into their power, and to be the change they wish to see in the world.

Dan is an alumnus of, and advocate for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), which is the organization he gives credit for the start of his successful rehabilitation, positive “anything is possible” attitude and more importantly, his passion for helping fellow wounded warriors in any way that he can. Dan joined the Army while still in high school as an enlisted paratrooper stationed first, in Germany. During his enlistment, he also spent four years at Fort Bragg, NC, where he graduated from the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy as distinguished honor graduate. After his years on active duty and graduating from Sonoma State University while in the California Army National Guard, he joined Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, where he excelled as a sales representative.

In February 2004, Nevins deployed to Balad Iraq, as a member of Task Force Tacoma, where he served as a squad leader. On November 10th, 2004, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated beneath his vehicle resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. His right leg was also severely damaged, which he subsequently made the painful choice to amputate three years later, due to constant pain and recurring bone infections. Dan spent two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington DC, and underwent over thirty surgeries to date.

Dan relocated to Jacksonville, FL following medical retirement from the Army in August of 2006. Dan was appointed community outreach manager for the PGA TOUR in April of 2007 and in May 2008, Dan was awarded the George C. Lang Award for Courage, the highest honor bestowed by WWP. Dan is an inspiration to his peers and the warriors he serves. He successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010 with two of his fellow wounded veterans and continues to challenge himself and others both physically and mentally trough a variety of sports, a determined yoga practice, his speaking and his teaching.

Dan’s passion for yoga started in November of 2013 his latest surgery had left him housebound and unable to live the active and robust life he’d grown accustomed to. It was a friend and yoga teacher, the led him to learn first, meditation and then ultimately yoga asana, where he grew frustrated with attempting a yoga practice on two prosthetic legs. The frustration of his first attempt at yoga, led him to try the practice with his legs off… and that is when his world cracked open and his life changed, after experiencing a connection to the earth that he’d been missing for close to a decade. Dan feels so strongly about the life changing power of yoga for “every-body”, that he has devoted most of his time to speaking about what he has learned, teaching yoga to warriors, leading “Take Off Your Legs” yoga workshops, teacher trainings and master classes at every opportunity. Dan has now completed through Level 3 Baptiste Yoga Training and is a Yoga Alliance RYT-200 Certified Yoga Instructor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1512578826566{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]