| Published: | Feb 21, 2013 12:29 PM EST |
| Updated: | Feb 21, 2013 10:05 PM EST |
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.- With every swing of a golf club, one Bonita Springs community is pumping in more lifeblood to some of Southwest Florida's most recognizable charities.
Since 2003, Shadow Wood has raised $1.1 million for Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties with its annual golf tournament, dinner, raffle and auctions, and it's not stopping there.
"Twenty-three families in our community now live in their own home because the residents of Shadow Wood have raised the money and help build," said Cheryl Garn, with Habitat for Humanity.
"We love it. People in the community want to give. They give freely of their time. Now, they're just pouring it out again," said Chet Hobert, with the Shadow Wood Charitable Foundation.
And this year, they are pouring out more.
According to Hobert, the donations generated by the tournament have grown each year -- from $40,000 in 2003 to an estimated $165,000 this year.
Shadow Wood has created a non-profit status so that more charities can benefit this time around, like New Horizons of Southwest Florida, which tutors kids in grades K through 12.
The organization says it's received donations of time from Shadow Wood before, but the added funding will give that extra push toward their goals.
"Every dollar that comes in helps us fulfill our mission of empowering at-risk kids and giving them hope for the future," said Ellen Nichols, founder of New Horizons.
Other groups receiving money this year include Shoes That Fit, which provides kids in need with clothing and shoes, and Café of Life, which gives meals to families in need.
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