May 14: 13-year-old philanthropist organizes mini-golf for sea turtles
Tee up for sea turtles during a special mini-golf tournament to benefit Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program and Easter Seals Southwest Florida.
Lexi Mariash, a 13-year-old philanthropist, and her company Turtle Inc. are hosting their 2nd Annual Miniature Golf Tournament with a goal of raising $25,000 for the two local nonprofits.
The event presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Positive Tracks will take place at Evie’s on the Green (4735 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota) on May 14. Tee times are 10 a.m. and noon.
Cost is $25 per person or $100 per team of four. Entry includes golf, food, drinks and a goody bag.
To purchase tickets please visit: Turtle’s Inc. Mini Golf Tournament.
For donations or sponsorships please visit: Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Funds for Mote Marine Laboratory from the tournament will be matched by the national, youth-centric nonprofit Positive Tracks and by Gulf Coast Community Foundation to advance the important work of Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, which has coordinated sea turtle conservation for more than 30 years along 35 miles of Sarasota County beaches.
Positive Tracks is a sports-based youth development organization that helps young people get active and give back. The Positive Tracks program plugs into charitable athletic events to double dollars and amplify awareness generated by ages 23 and under. That means, all funding raised for Mote from this tournament will be doubled by Positive Tracks with support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
“We are grateful for Lexi’s enthusiasm and passion for raising awareness of sea turtle conservation in our area, which is really inspiring,” said Kristen Mazzarella, senior biologist with Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. “I am also thankful for the support of Positive Tracks and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, which is helping raise vital funds for our program.”
Funds will also be raised for Easter Seals programs that help support disabled children and adults in the local community. Easter Seals Southwest Florida is proud to serve over 500 children and adults with disabilities. Their mission is to provide exceptional services for persons with disabilities and their families across a lifetime by empowering individuals to live their lives to the fullest.
Mariash’s plan is to not only help fund programs at Mote and Easter Seals, but also encourage today’s youth to get involved in the community and pay it forward. The ambitious 13-year-old hopes the miniature golf tournament will incentivize young people to get active and give back to the sea.
“I became interested in sea turtles because of something as little as a stuffed animal bringing awareness to me about the fact that sea turtles are endangered,” Mariash said. "I was sad when I found that out and I decided that I wanted to help.”