Palm Beach Symphony raises $100,000 at Wellington National Golf Club

Scott Meyer, Jonathan D'Agostino, Thomas D'Agostino, Sr. and Thomas D'Agostino, Jr. at the  Swings for Strings Golf Invitational. [Photo by IndieHouse Films]

A day on the fairway turned into meaningful support for arts education as the Palm Beach Symphony raised nearly $100,000 during its seventh annual Swings for Strings Golf Invitational.

Neil Kaufman, Michael Rudnick, Bill Boylan and Gary Levine [Photo by IndieHouse Films]

Held at Wellington National Golf Club, the event brought together golfers, sponsors and community supporters for a day of competition and philanthropy benefiting the Symphony’s music education and outreach programs.

Participants began the day with a buffet lunch, warm-up time on the driving range and the opportunity to bid on more than 150 auction items and experiences.

Offerings included packages and donations from The Colony Hotel, The Breakers Palm Beach, Wellington National Golf Club and Sisley Paris.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to Thomas D’Agostino, Jr. for stepping up to the tee as this year’s Swings for Strings chair,” says David McClymont. “With his support… Palm Beach Symphony can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community using the money raised toward music education programs.”

The tournament, chaired by Thomas D’Agostino Jr. with Honorary Chairs Doug Marty and Todd Dahlstrom and Auction Chair Sarmite Bulte, featured a full slate of competitions. Golfers vied for top honors in gross and net scoring, along with specialty contests such as longest drive and closest to the pin.

Adding a lighthearted twist to the competition, players on the fourth hole could enlist a drumline from Florida Atlantic University to “Play It Loud,” using live percussion to distract opposing teams as they teed off.

Joan Simpson, Patricia Pape, Sarmite Bulte and Janet Gusman [Photo by IndieHouse Films]

In tournament play, Doug Marty, Justin Thompson, Danny Marty and Blake Whidlich defended their title with a first-place gross finish, while Jeff Kolhagen, Michael Miller, Ben Sturgell and Jeff Fromknecht secured first place net. In the women’s division, Jessica Badr, Judi Gola, Linda Izzo and Diane Lee earned first place gross, and Amy Dowds, Lynn Heck, Linda McDavitt and Jeanette Sievers took first place net honors. Bryan Appel and Lisa McGill won longest drive, while Paul Melchiorre and Ginney Hilton claimed closest-to-the-pin awards.

The day concluded with the Crescendo After Dark celebration, where golfers and guests gathered for dinner, wine tastings, live music and additional auction opportunities.

“It was an honor to chair this year’s event,” D’Agostino says. “Every golf swing provides a symphony of hope to create opportunities for children in our community.”

Founded in 1974, Palm Beach Symphony is dedicated to engaging and educating the community through live orchestral performances. The organization’s education initiatives—including children’s concerts, student coaching sessions and instrument donations—have reached more than 90,000 students in recent years.

Proceeds from the invitational will support the Symphony’s continued efforts to expand access to music education and enrichment programs across Palm Beach County.