Tampa-based Happy’s Home Centers, Rent King and Great Rooms companies hosted The 22nd Annual Great Futures Golf Tournament on Sunday, April 3rd, that raised over $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. The event was held at Top Golf in Brandon, FL where more than 90 golfers gathered for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition in the new golf complex where open air climate-controlled bays offer an entertaining challenge for golfers of all levels. “Top Golf is a great venue for large groups like this one,” said Chris Kale, Jr. of Happy’s Home Centers. “Our teams are playing competitive golf and at the same time we are enjoying the comforts of air conditioning, sitting areas, food and drink, and having our group together the entire afternoon. You can’t beat it.”
The tournament was founded in 1994 by Jimmy and Elizabeth Kalamaras (formally of Larmon’s Furniture and now a partner with Happy’s Home Centers in Tampa, FL) and they were thrilled with the turnout for this event and the support shown for Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. Along with the title sponsors, they would like to thank the major sponsors of this event: Ashley Furniture (Kevin Gaughan, Scott Woodham, Fred Sourbeck, Ashley Lyons); Benefit Marketing Solutions & AON (David Kaye and Susan Matthews); Symbol Mattress (Scott Hancock); the Rent King King’s Court (Rent King employees who donate money each paycheck to charitable giving), and Coaster Fine Furniture (Jeff Lane). These sponsors not only gave financially but also attended this event and helped to make this day a huge success. Jimmy Kalamaras was all smiles as he walked around and watched the golfers. He said, “We are overwhelmed by the support shown today. The sponsors are so amazing every year to give their time and money to this tournament – we can’t thank them enough. But the real winners are the children of the Boys and Girls clubs who will benefit from this event with the tools and training that these clubs provide daily.” Over the past 22 years, this event has netted the BGC of Tampa Bay nearly $250,000!
Other industry sponsors include – Florida Rental Dealer’s Association, Stingray Chevrolet, Florida State Games, SunTrust Bank, O’Rourke Sales Company, Affordable Furniture, Whirlpool Corporation, and Standard Furniture. Event Coordinator Chris Kale of Rent King said “It just makes sense for our companies to come alongside the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay as a major contributor to their programs. Our rental stores have been in the same communities as their clubs for over 50 years, and this gives us a chance to further invest in these communities and make them a better place for future generations.”
For more than 85 years, BGC of Tampa Bay has provided safe environments during out of school times where youth can safely build new skills that lead to opportunities for personal, social and academic accomplishments they would not get elsewhere. BGC of Tampa Bay serves more than 11,000 youth annually. For more information you can visit www.bgctampa.org.
Mike Tissot
Countryside Rentals Inc., dba Rent-2-Own
Mike grew up in the rent-to-own industry under the guidance of his father, former APRO President and RTO legend Darrell Tissot. For nearly 25 years, Mike’s innovative leadership has helped expand the family business to more than 40 stores across Ohio and Kentucky while also shaping the industry as a whole.
He has served as President of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association, an APRO board member and Treasurer, and President and Treasurer of the TRIB Group. His contributions have earned him the APRO President’s Award of Excellence and the title of APRO Rental Dealer of the Year.
Outside of RTO, Mike enjoys time at the lake house or in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his girlfriend, Angela Strong McCool. A passionate Cincinnati Reds fan, he rarely misses a game, whether watching or listening alongside his parents. He also takes every opportunity to visit Arizona, where his daughter is currently attending Arizona State University.