On Tuesday, September 15, a perfectly crisp morning, the Strelitz International Academy 32nd Annual Golf Tournament, affectionately known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, took place on the Bayville Golf Club course.
Sporting face-coverings and hand sanitizer, many notable SIA supporters attended, including tournament co-chairs Ilana and Nathan Benson, SIA board president David Cardon, John Strelitz, and Angela Jenkins, who has represented Bob Josephberg since the tournament’s inception in 1988.
The Bob Josephberg Classic is SIA’s biggest fundraiser. With the help of 96 sponsors, this year’s tournament raised more than $126,000 for the future of Jewish education and community leadership in Tidewater—providing financial sustainability and broader access to SIA for families.
Following opening speeches by Nathan Benson and David Cardon, the players teed off in a Florida best ball style tournament. On the fairways, two brand new Lexus’ from Charles Barker Automotive for the hole in one competition sponsored by Charles Barker and Towne Insurance were in view.
Different from previous years’ tournaments, players were able to request a single cart if desired, and to prevent a large crowd gathering under the pavilion, the after-play reception and raffle were cancelled. The complete set of team scores and winners were announced later that week through email. Despite the changes and challenges, the tournament saw an outstanding 107 golfers and 25 volunteers turn out for a fun day.
“It was truly spectacular to witness more golfers at this year’s tournament than we’ve had in years! Thank you to all who volunteered, attended, and sponsored SIA. We could not have done this without each and everyone of you!” says Cardon.
The tournament follows many months of people confined to their homes due to COVID-19. During the spring, Strelitz International Academy switched to full digital learning to keep their students, families, and faculty safe. The school’s success and ability to pivot so quickly resulted in an increase in fall enrollment when all SIA students returned to in person instruction.
“There was a lot to celebrate and cheer for during the golf tournament. Our smaller classroom sizes and exceptional International Baccalaureate education are exactly what our community needed during these unprecedented times,” says Heather Moore, Head of School, “Our families understand the value in a place they can trust to not only educate their children, but also keep them safe and sound during the pandemic.”
SIA congratulates the winners and thanks all sponsors, players, volunteers, and the Cardo Café for the day’s support. The 33rd Annual Tournament is slated for Tuesday, September 14, 2021. “With much hope, the tournament will see the return of its awards reception, but no matter what, SIA’s community support will always be the biggest winner,” says Moore.
For more information, contact Carly Glikman, SIA director of development, at 757-424-4327, or email cglikman@strelitzacademy.org.
Strelitz International Academy is a constituent agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
– Carly Glikman