The Nest Golf Club in Bonita Springs, FL has hosted an annual golf tournament to benefit Home Base Florida for the past seven years. Over those years, the volunteer-led committee has grown and exposed new, dedicated members to the Home Base mission, to heal the invisible wounds of war, encouraging increasing support each year. As the tournament’s popularity and planning committee have grown, so too has its investment in the lifesaving care Home Base Florida provides to Veterans, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen.

The 7^th Annual Home Base Golf Tournament at The Nest Golf Club on November 7, 2022 marked an incredible milestone of giving. The passionate group of American patriots on the committee and their network of supporters have now raised more than $2.1 million in support of Home Base Florida through golf tournaments, concerts and network building.

The tournament began under the leadership of chairperson Kathy Swift. At the inaugural event, Swift shared a personal story of a Family Member’s Military service, which inspired more members of The Nest to spring into action and join the committee. The committee was then spearheaded by Pat Phalen, who helped grow the tournament for several years, until she handed the reins to Mary Jo Morgan, who became a committee member after hear Swift’s inspiring story.

Hosting a tournament of over 240 golfers is no small feat in ordinary circumstances, but Morgan’s tenure has had additional challenges including a clubhouse remodel, parking lot renovations and, most notably, a once-in-lifetime global pandemic. Yet, she has helped the tournament reach new heights, raising more than $270,000 at the latest edition alone through registration, hole signs, mulligan and raffle tickets, silent auction, dinner and donations.

These dedicated leaders and committee members understand the challenges our Warriors, and their Families, face when they return home. The support that The Nest and its community resolve to provide our Nation’s heroes has been unwavering and truly embodies the Home Base motto, “Their Mission Is Complete. Ours Has Just Begun.”