Three Decades of Impact
2025 Annual Report
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT The summer of 2026 found A Better Shot’s summer program again breaking last year’s record number of young golfers enrolled. 228 youngsters participated this year and our staff was assisted by 84 volunteers…another record number! The weather again cooperated and all were able to enjoy eight weeks of challenging golf instruction, delicious lunches and many fun surprises. I hope you all watched the video of the closing day’s festivities…the smiles say what words cannot! Speaking of words, I am truly at a loss to adequately express how overwhelmed and grateful we are at this memberships’ response to our 30th Anniversary Campaign and Fund Raiser. Starting with the incredible challenge grant of $50,000 and the talents of Carolann Raub and Joe Zarba who spearheaded the events we met our ambitious goals. The “Giving Wall” continues to “grow” and it’s not too late to add your name…the year is not over!! If you missed the party and auction, you truly missed the most extraordinary event Lemon Bay has ever hosted…it was over the top!! Thanks to you, this year we were able to award $130,000 in scholarships, impacting the lives of 28 young students with great ambitions. A Better Shot impacts these young lives in so many ways and I urge you to follow their success stories on our website: abettershot.org. Our local community can boast of many outstanding professionals and citizens who owe a great deal to the life lessons they learned at A Better Shot. I do not know of many private clubs who have such a measurable impact on their local community and this should be a source of immense pride for you all. I know how profoundly grateful this board is for all you do and we cannot thank you enough for supporting our mission.
Ever grateful,
Mary Anne Hooker
A Better Shot Foundation President
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Mission
1
Junior Golf
2
Scholarship
3
Lifetime Donors
4
2025 Donors
6
Board of Directors Mary Anne Hooker
John Lynch
Tom O’Shane
Whitty Ransome
President
Executive Vice-President
Sam Campbell John Jackoboice Jamie Mickle Peter Powell
Executive Vice-President
Executive Vice-President
Carolann Raub Mark Siewert Judy Thomas
OUR MISSION To engage local youth in an exciting summer program of golf and camaraderie. To impact young lives by instilling qualities inherent to the game of golf...honor, integrity, respect, and perseverence... thereby giving all participants “a better shot at life.”
SUMMER PROGRAM
Our 8-week summer junior golf program provides a fun, meaningful opportunity for children ages 4–18 to learn the game of golf while building skills for life. Each summer, 200 children from surrounding communities are introduced to golf etiquette, education, and character development through the power of the game. Weekly programming includes golf instruction, interactive financial or educational life-skills sessions, and a nutritious lunch— creating a well-rounded experience both on and off the course. 1
FUNDRAISING SCHOLARSHIP 2025 marked our 29th anniversary, and the past five years have been truly transformational. During that time, we have grown our endowment fund from $250,000 to $2.3 million. This success is a direct result of the incredible generosity of the members of Lemon Bay Golf Club and the tireless efforts of our Fundraising Committee, who work year after year to create a memorable March event featuring a cocktail party, auction, and golf tournament. We are excited to build on this momentum and can’t wait to unveil our plans for a very special 30th anniversary celebration in 2026.
Successful fundraising allows us to expand our impact by awarding more scholarships to deserving students pursuing education beyond high school. In 2025 alone, we were proud to support 30 students with $125,000 in scholarship funding. This meaningful investment in our youth reflects our commitment to giving back to the local community and honors the original vision of our founder, J. Kimpton Honey. We have awarded over $750,000 starting in 1999.
JUNIOR GOLF A Better Shot is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of golfers and growing the game at all levels.
29
4,000+
years
57%
participants
43%
boys
4-18
girls
age range
210
participants in 2025
84
high school or college volunteers
2
SCHOLARSHIP A Better Shot is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of golfers and growing the game at all levels.
2025 High School Graduate Recipients $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Remy Blunier Jacob Close Kenzie Delong Matt Jakoby Alaina Maday Meghan Perin Delilah Scheiber Wyatt Seckel Parker Zautcke
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Central Florida State College of Florida University of Florida University of South Florida State College of FL University of South Florida Florida Gulf Coast University Florida State University
In addition, we funded 21 current college scholarship recipients for a total of $125,500!
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A Better Shot Lifetime Donors In grateful appreciation to those who have given to the A Better Shot Endowment Fund.
DIAMOND $100,000+ Brit & Kim Hume John & Debbie Lynch Richard & Gretchen Nielsen Michael & Jane Tellor
PLATINUM $25,000-$99,999 Samuel & Carol Campbell Bruce Carbonari Thomas & Faye Connaughton Brent Edwards William & Liz Ghriskey George & Susan Haggarty Anne Honey Mary Anne Hooker John & Sarah Jackoboice Thomas & Kathleen O'Shane Peter & Cappy Powell Mikel & Linda Rollyson Peter & Elsa Soderberg Hope vanBeuren Howard & Emily Wise Dade Amatuer Golf Assn.
GOLD $10,000-$24,999 Todd & Beth Baker Thomas & Martha Beach Deucie Bies Timothy & Courtney Borntraeger Judy Thomas & Jim Colthart David & Margo DeKock Becky Deupree Nancy Garraghan & Bill Tapovitz Harold & Cheryl Hayek Tom & Dawn Hinck Sheila LaBrecque Estate of Dimitri Manthos Joseph & Cathy McGowan Brian & Sam Phillips Whitney Ransome & Tom Wilcox Mark & Marcia Siewert Richard & Meg Taylor Jamie & Jody Totten Edward & Stephanie Vick
SILVER $10,000-$24,999 Bob & Carol Bingham Kenneth & Lynn Brown George & Lois Castrucci Michael & Carol Clark Tanny Clark Janet Conroy Brian & Sigrid Corcoran William & Jane Doepke William & Susan Ewing Polly Flinn William & Beth Foster Brian & Vickie Gangnier Eileen & Jack Glover Gene Goetz & Jan Conlin Daniel Hughes & Libby Candler Ronald & Chris Lee Stu & Jill Lewis Bert & Jane Lippincott Jacque Hoyt & Tom Lutz Gary & Linda McInerney Robert & Tia McMillan Jamie & Tobi Mickle Laurie Miller Timothy E Nettles Foundation Thomas & Margie Ogden Carolann Raub Mark & Lynne Rickabaugh John & Betsy Royster Mitch & LouAnn Smith Harlan Stanley & Margaret Carton Scott & Margarite Tremelin George & Betsy Vogt Sue Williams Edward & Barbara Wilson Fifth Third Bank
BRONZE $1,000-$4,999 Scott & Bobbie Addis William Aderman Jane Adrian Patricia Agger Michael & Judy Alexander William & Rhonda Amoroso Glenn & Kathy Arthurs Robert & Mary Bainbridge Daniel & Pam Bayly Belinda Bender Stephen & Trudy Bernsten Dick Berry & Lucy Commoner Daniel & Margie Bixler
BRONZE, CONT. Daniel & Danni Boever David Booth & Jane Garnett Pier & Renee Borra James & Heidi Boudreau Hank & Ginny Bryant Zayra Calderon James & Brenda Carlin Tom & Susan Castle Gary & Sue Cehovic Caroline Clabaugh Christopher & Alison Clegg John E. Cleghorn Ron & Susan Coghlin Raymond & Iliene Corcoran Dave & Karen Custer Timothy Danahy Larry Denton & Elena MacKenzie James & Pamela Drobnyk John & Ellie Durno Corky Ellis & Marion Freeman Jock & Penny Fortune Stephen & Kathleen Francis Chip French & Alison Phillips Candice & Kenneth Gammill Kenley George Tig & Janice Gilliam Andrew & Marla Gottschalk James & Lynda Grant Sy & Hope Grayson David & Holly Gulick August Hager Hugh & Jean Halsell Robert & Elizabeth Hay Daniel & Dodie Headington Peter & Sunnie Hellman Larry Herman Eric & Betsy Holch Lindsay Hooper Jr. Daniel & Peijin Hoppe Roger & Joyce Howe Phil & Patsy Hubbard Willard & LoriAnne Hunter David & Nancy Hunter Jon & Kris Hunt Stephen & Susan Jansen Harold O. Johnson Oakley & Francie Johnson Robert & Diane Johnson William & Karen Johnson John & Sandy Judy Cameron & Sandra Kelley John & Lona Kissinger
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BRONZE, CONT. Marie L'Abbe John & Leanne Lacart Ginny Lambrecht Steven & Beverly Leer James & Donna Lutton Tom Lutz Connie & Priscilla Mack Jeffrey & Carol Mack Sue Mandry John & Candice Marsellus Graham & Louise Marx Loulie Mauran Hal & Lynne McCombs Colvin & Madeline McCrady Catherine McDonough John & Pauline Mendez John Merritt James Murphy Steven Niemczyk Jay & Lisa Nouss Gregory & Catherine Oneglia Dennis Parker & Kay Kemper Shelley Pattenaude John & Cynthia Paul Don & Gail Pearson Terry & MaryJo Pigott Shannon Roberson Drew Rogers Dennis Ross Randy & Connie Ruberg James Russell William & Katie Sackett Nancy Samuel Michael & Julie Schouten Benjamin & Weezy Scott David & Christi Sculley Peter Sieglaff Robert & Linda Sommerville Michael Spence Stephen & Penny Staelin Nancy Stamper William & Jean Steinman Bayne & Jean Stevenson Judy Taylor Greg Thompson Scott & Serda Tibbs Thomas & Carol Titcomb James Variglotti Geoff & Elizabeth Verney Steven & Diane Walker
5
Jay West Damon Williams MaryJo Wilson & Terry Dunaway Victoria Winterer Sarasota National Golf Club Donor Anonymous Caddy Carts WCCRC
A Better Shot uses golf as a tool to create opportunity... teaching children a game of rules, values, challenges, and lessons that last a lifetime.
A Better Shot teaches: honor, self-esteem integrity, and respect It’s more than a gathering place for friends and families. It is a mechanism to further the future through Education, Mentorship, and Scholarship Opportunities that help children as they transform into promising young adults. “As the years continue on, I truly believe that the opportunities I had at A Better Shot are what led me and allowed me to be where I am today.”
Dr. Marie Vasher, MD Student
A Better Shot 2025 Donors
EAGLE, CONT.
In grateful appreciation to those who have given to the A Better Shot Endowment Fund.
HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB ALBATROSS CLUB $10,000+ Thomas & Fay Connaughton Mary Anne Hooker Brit & Kim Hume Richard & Gretchen Nielsen Michael & Jane Tellor
$5,000-$9,999 Timothy & Courtney Borntraeger William & Liz Ghriskey George & Susan Haggarty Peter & Cappy Powell Carolann Raub Mikel & Linda Rollyson Howard & Emily Wise Fifth Third Bank
EAGLE CLUB
Thank you for believing in me and investing in my education. Your support has changed my life, and i will carry that impact with me wherever I go. Madison Hanson Student
$1,000-$4,999 Robert & Mary Bainbridge Todd & Beth Baker Thomas & Martha Beach Bob & Carol Bingham David Booth & Jane Garnett Samuel & Carol Campbell George & Lois Castrucci Caroline Clabaugh Michael & Carol Clark Tanny Clark Christopher & Alison Clegg David & Margo DeKock William & Jane Doepke James & Pamela Drobnyk Brent Edwards Corky Ellis & Marion Freeman William & Susan Ewing William & Beth Foster Nancy Garraghan & Bill Tapovitz Eileen & Jack Glover Harold & Cheryl Hayek Peter & Sunnie Hellman Larry Herman Daniel & Peijin Hoppe Willard & LoriAnne Hunter John & Sarah Jackoboice Cameron & Sandra Kelley John & Lona Kissinger Marie L'Abbe Ronald & Chris Lee Bert & Jane Lippincott Jacque Hoyt & Tom Lutz John & Debbie Lynch Joseph & Cathy McGowan
Robert & Tia McMillan Timothy E Nettles Foundation Thomas & Kathleen O'Shane Whitney Ransome Mark & Lynne Rickabaugh John & Betsy Royster Randy & Connie Ruberg Mark & Marcia Siewert Stephen & Penny Staelin Nancy Stamper Harlan Stanley & Margaret Carton Richard & Meg Taylor Judy Thomas Jamie & Jody Totten Geoff & Elizabeth Verney Edward & Barbara Wilson Caddy Carts Sarasota National Golf Club Donor Anonymous
BIRDIE CLUB $500-$999 Scott & Bobbie Addis Walter & Anne Beatty Stephen & Trudy Bernsten Hank & Ginny Bryant Zayra Calderon Ron & Susan Coghlin Janet Conroy Dave & Karen Custer Polly Flinn Kenley George James & Lynda Grant Sy & Hope Grayson Hugh & Jean Halsell Kathi & Don Hassin Robert & Elizabeth Hay Lindsay Hooper Jr. John & Leanne Lacart Graham & Louise Marx Loulie Mauran Thomas & Carol McDermott Gregory & Catherine Oneglia Dennis Ross Skip & Cathy Russo William & Katie Sackett Rick & Lindsay Stafford Susan & Dennis Tinsley George & Betsy Vogt Damon Williams Victoria Winterer 6
Board Members Mary Anne Hooker John Lynch Tom O’Shane Whitty Ransome Sam Campbell John Jackoboice Jamie Mickle Peter Powell Carolann Raub Mark Siewert Judy Thomas
Scholarship Committee Whitty Ransome Sam Campbell Susan Haggarty John Lynch Meg Taylor Judy Thomas
How can you Contribute?
Your investment in A Better Shot Foundation will take your children from our campus to their next campus! Please help us to build our endowment so that we can award full four-year scholarships to the youth of our community.
Hole-in-One Club
Albatross Club
$10,000+
$5,000-$9,999
Eagle Club
Birdie Club
$1,000-$4,999
$500-$999
Join the Living Wall Support our “$3,000 to Celebrate 30 Years” campaign as we aim to raise $300,000! 3-year payment plan available! Use the link below to donate. For questions, contact Cindy Claude, Executive Director, at (941)6976445 or via email at mail@bettershot.org.
(941)697-6445 www.BetterShot.org Lemon Bay Golf Club A Better Shot Foundation
$3,000 Living Wall Campaign