The Miami Dolphins Foundation hosted its largest annual event featuring current players, alumni and cheerleaders, FinsWeekend, on June 9-11, 2011 in South Florida. The three-day extravaganza featured an exciting weekend of golf, fishing and celebrities. In all, FinsWeekend raised more than $600,000 for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida.
“This is such a unique event,” Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said. “I don’t think there is anything like it in sports. It fits our community and we are so fortunate to have so many people that volunteer their time and take a leadership role in generating funds for the Miami Dolphins foundation. This raises money for us to provide the financial basis for us to do things in the community throughout the year. This puts us in a position to fulfill the commitment we have to make a difference in the community.”
Now in its 15th year, FinsWeekend has grown into the signature fundraising event for the Dolphins Foundation.
“In our first year, we had 23 boats and raised about $30,000. This year, we had over 80 boats this year and raised $600,000,” said FinsWeekend Chairman Jeff Peck. “This is a testament to our great committee and wonderful community leaders that put in the hard work to make this event a success.”
The festivities began on Thursday, June 9, with the Celebrity Draw Party, presented by Sun Life Financial in the Harry Soffer room at Fairmont Turnberry Isle. The party included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games such as putting, chipping, pitch shot and sand shot for unique prizes.
“It’s great for the community and what they’ve done here where they’re able to raise money and get the corporate people involved,” NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino said. “It’s good to see old friends and players and coaches, that’s always fun. The Dolphins have been great to me over the years so I’m going to support them any way I can.”
On Friday, June 10, celebrities, Dolphins players and alumni hit the greens at Fairmont Turnberry Isle’s award-winning golf course in Aventura for the FinsWeekend Golf Tournament. The golf tournament was followed by a luncheon presented by Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. The winning golf team was comprised of Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, Tony Segreto, Jack Paltani and Mike Mominey, who represented Nova Southeastern and posted a tournament low score of 57. They edged out the team from Doctor’s Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine by one stroke. That foursome was made up of Dolphins wide receiver Roberto Wallace, Bob Gilardi, Greg Minerva and Roberta Stokes. Former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore’s team, Denis LaPolice, finished third with a 60. Moore was joined on the course by Mitch Hoffman, Denis LaPolice and Chris LaPolice.
Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party took place at the Miami Beach Marina, which featured entertainment and a silent auction. At the dinner, Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite was named the winner of the 2010 Nat Moore Community Service Award. It marked the second consecutive year that Polite took home the award at the event. Polite received the trophy from Head Coach Tony Sparano and is the first back to back winner of the prestigious community service award since former linebacker and current Dolphins pass rush coach Bryan Cox took home this honor in 1994 and 1995.
“It was definitely an honor,” Polite later said on winning the award. “I felt like anyone could have one that award because all of my teammates do a great job of going out in the community and doing their part. I was very shocked, but also honored at the same time.”
The following morning, on Saturday, June 11, amateur and professional anglers gathered at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament, presented by eDiets.com. Participants enjoyed a day of offshore fishing accompanied by Dolphins players and alumni. In the afternoon, all fishing participants got together for the “Hooters Weigh-in” where Contender 1, captained by Joe Neber, outweighed Mercury’s O-Sea-D by 13.5 pounds to claim the top overall prize. A record 83 boats with more than 300 anglers participated in the tournament. Contender 1 won a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Dolphins away game. Later that evening, attendees gathered for the Scott Financial/HMY Awards Ceremony where participants bid on fabulous prizes.
For more information about Fins Weekend and other charitable events hosted by the Miami Dolphins, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit dolphins.com.