For the past 14 years, the Kensington community has proudly supported Home Base Florida through its annual golf and family day chaired by Kensington resident and Home Base Honorary Director General (Ret.) Fred Franks. Due to club renovations, the 2025 event was postponed, so the community launched the General (Ret.) Fred Franks Salute to Service fundraising campaign to support Home Base Florida’s mission. 

Thanks to the Kensington community’s patriotic supporters — including a $50,000 match — they exceeded their goal, raising more than $133,000! In total, they have raised over $1.8 million for Home Base Florida, enabling 3,200+ Veterans and Families to access care.

Their support didn’t end there. In addition to raising funds through their fundraising campaign, they hosted 15 Veterans in our programs for a fun day of golf at the end of the year. The participants were grateful for the camaraderie, the laughs and the chance to practice their swings.

Honoring a Legacy of Support

Many volunteers and supporters come to together to make an event of this size and popularity possible. As we reflect on this upcoming 15^th annual milestone year – one person stands out. The success of this longstanding partnership wouldn’t have been possible without Kensington resident and US Airforce Vietnam Veteran Joe Basli who sadly passed away in November 2025. He served on the committee and championed the support for Home Base since its inception. One of Joe’s greatest loves was golf, and as his obituary stated, he channeled that passion into his ‘most loved charitable work with Home Base’. 

“Joe was so passionately devoted to his fellow Veterans and Families that he created the Family Day,” said General Franks.” Each year, he and his devoted wife Karen along with many volunteers made this Family Day so special. He was a foundational part to making this entire day devoted to shining the spotlight of admiration and respect on our Home Base Veterans and Families. We will all miss him.”

We look forward to continuing Joe’s remarkable legacy at this year’s 15^th Annual General (Ret.) Fred Frank Golf & Family Day at Kensington Golf & Country Club on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Learn More: https://homebase.org/events/15th-annual-general-ret-fred-franks-golf-family-day/