Birdie for the Birdies tournament to benefit Wildlife Inc.

BRADENTON BEACH – 2023 has been a challenging year for Wildlife Education and Reha­bilitation Center Inc. and a local business is stepping up to help.

With a record number of animals rehabilitated so far this year at the non-profit – 2,665 at the latest count – and the loss of a funding source, an upcoming fundraiser is most welcome.

Daiquiri Deck has recently announced sponsorship opportunities for its first Birdie for the Birdies Putt Putt Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The Fish Hole miniature golf, 115 Bridge St. near Daiquiri Deck’s Bradenton Beach location.

All tournament proceeds will benefit Wildlife Inc.

Since 1988, Wildlife Inc. has provided care to injured and orphaned animals. It is the only rehabilitation facility for birds, mammals and reptiles in the area.

“Our dedication knows no bounds, but we can’t do it without your support. With an annual budget nearing $200,000, we rely solely on the generosity of individuals and private grants to continue our vital work,” accord­ing to the Wildlife Inc. website. “We receive no funding from local, state or federal govern­ments.”

“This benefit can help in so many ways,” Wildlife Inc. volun­teer Krista Carpenter said. “The Smile program from Amazon has been discontinued, as they focus on giving to specific non-profits. That’s $8,000-$10,000 we lost. This (tournament) could provide the perfect bridge.”

General admission for the tournament is $50 and includes a round of golf for one, a brunch buffet, beverages and access to the after-party. VIP admission is $75 and includes a round of golf for one, a brunch buffet, VIP beverages and access to the after-party.

Players will be split into two groups, the first checking in at 9 a.m. and starting at 10 a.m. The second will check in at 10:30 a.m. and start at 11:30 a.m.

An after-party will follow the tournament with live music, entertainment, a raffle and silent auction and prizes. An awards ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to noon and the bar will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“One of the big items is a fly fishing trip for two valued at over $600,” Carpenter said. “That will be a live auction item. Also, there are items from local artists.”

A limited number of tourna­ment sponsorship opportunities are available:

• Hall of Famer: $5,000 includes brunch and entry for four, eight mulligans, eight raffle tickets, VIP access, one banner for the registration table, one banner for the afterparty, emcee recogni­tion and four Tervis tumblers;
• Professional: $1,500 includes brunch and entry for four, six mulligans, six raffle tickets, VIP access, one banner for the course and four stainless steel tumblers;
• Semi-Pro: $1,000 includes brunch and entry for four, four mulligans, four raffle tickets, VIP access and two hole sponsorships;
• Caddy: $500 includes brunch and entry for four people, two mulligans and VIP access;
• Spectator: $250 includes two sponsorships.

Ball sponsor pricing varies. To secure a sponsorship or register for tournament participation, please visit the Daiquiri Deck website.