Barefoot golf tournament benefits wildfire victims

As people who live in Barefoot Resort continue to rebuild their community from the April wildfire that destroyed more than 75 homes, many came together today on the golf course.

A benefit tournament was held to help people like Steve Bridges, who lost his home and almost all of his belongings in the fire.

“I think people don’t realize, it gets in the news and you know after a week or so, everything goes away and people are left to pick up their lives. And, that’s with any kind of disaster. But, it’s still going on,” said Bridges.

As construction workers rebuild the structure of his home on Coquina Drive, Bridges played in the golf benefit tournament.

He says the event is the latest way the Barefoot community has supported him after the fire.

“The whole output of generosity that’s come from the community is unbelievable,” said Bridges.

Roughly $10,000 is being raised through this tournament to help wildfire victims like Bridges.

He says no dollar amount can be placed on what was lost in the fire, including family photographs, computers, pictures painted by his 13-year-old daughter, and even a cabinet filled with valuable wedding gifts.

Burnt trees and charred debris behind the golf course serve as a reminder of the devastation and destruction caused by the wildfire.

In addition to helping victims through today’s tournament, the Barefoot Resort golf course suspended its membership dues for residents who lost their homes.
 
It also distributed food vouchers for those people to eat at the restaurant at the club course for free.

Around 50 people played in the tournament.

Mike Ross helped organize the event and he says it’s a way the golfers can reach out to the community.

“Part of what we do is we’re part of a community here at Barefoot, so, you know, we help wherever we’re needed no matter what the situation is,” said Ross.