One day. One golfer. 100 holes. Over $100,000 for infant health care
For Stephen Arnold, golf is more than his passion or a career, it has also become a way to give back to his community.
On Dec. 4 he raced to play the Longest Day of Golf at Longboat Key Club with a goal of completing 100 holes in one day to raise awareness about First 1,000 Days Suncoast. First 1,000 Days Suncoast is a regional initiative comprised of over 90 partner agencies working collaboratively to strengthen care coordination, provide family support, and improve maternal and infant health across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of clients, friends, and family, Arnold raised $57,000. With an ongoing match from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the total amount raised was $114,000.
For Arnold, the cause is deeply personal. His wife, Chelsea Arnold, is the initiative’s director and was hired as its first employee in 2019. He has watched it grow and evolve under her leadership and regularly hears stories of families whose lives are changed as well as her gratitude for her team, incredible community leaders, and generous donors. Stephen and Chelsea had fun planning this event, bringing their passions together to make a meaningful impact on their community.
“It was such an honor to take on this challenge for a cause that means so much to our family,” Stephen shared. “Every swing and every hole played felt purposeful. I’m incredibly grateful to my clients for giving so generously. Knowing that these funds will directly support families during their most vulnerable moments is incredibly moving.”
Arnold serves as a golf instructor at Longboat Key Club and the Director of Instruction at Red Sky Golf Club in Vail, Colorado. As an eight-time PGA Teacher of the Year for the Southwest Chapter, he has taught hundreds of golfers across the United States. It was exciting for him to see the donations coming in from all over the country to support something he believes in.
“We are deeply grateful to Stephen, Chelsea, and every donor who helped make the Longest Day of Golf such an incredible success,” Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation president Stacey Corley said. “First 1,000 Days Suncoast is there for local families when they need it most. This work is made possible because of the care and commitment of our community.”
First 1,000 Days is funded by community generosity. Anyone interested in supporting the initiative should call Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation at 941-284-1286 or via email, [email protected]. Visit
Submitted by Ester Soltesova
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