Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation recognized by Abuse Counseling and Treatment for two decades of support
Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT) has recognized The Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation for its 20 years of dedication and support.
In appreciation of the Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, ACT’s chief executive director and several board members presented two commemorative plaques to the Foundation on Nov. 6, including one to hang on the wall of ACT’s shelter in Fort Myers. ACT is a private, nonprofit agency committed to serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.
ACT is one of two primary beneficiaries for the Foundation’s annual Nichols Cup Pro-Am Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Tournaments, serving abused and at-risk children in Southwest Florida since 2002.
The plaque dedicated to the Foundation reads, in part, “Over the past two decades, their dedication has been a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards healing and recovery for abused children. Their compassion and tireless efforts have profoundly impacted countless lives, fostering a safer and more compassionate community for all. Their commitment to creating a world free from abuse for so many children has been nothing short of extraordinary. With heartfelt gratitude, we dedicate this building to the Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation.”
As a result of the 2023 Nichols Cup, which was held in February, the Foundation granted ACT a total donation of $589,000. The contribution enables ACT to continue its mission of assisting victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as survivors of sexual assault. Of the total donation, $89,000 was allocated as a one-time grant to support its Specialized Children’s Outreach Program. The program, which has been operational since last August, provides individual psychoeducation and therapy to at-risk and abused children between the ages of 4 to 17.
“The Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation is deeply honored to have supported Abuse Counseling and Treatment for 20 years,” said Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation President Bryan Simmering. “As we look back on ACT’s service and the Foundation’s longstanding support, we are reminded of the profound impact we can make when we unite for an important cause. Our partnership with ACT has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of abused and at-risk children, and we are committed to continuing this endeavor for many more years to come.”
Founded by longtime Fiddlesticks resident Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, the PGA recognizes the Nichols Cup golf tournament as one of the most successful community sponsored Pro-Am tournaments in the U.S. To date, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $17 million in donations to support local children’s charities.
The Foundation’s two primary charity partners are the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and Abuse Counseling & Treatment. Additional beneficiaries include Blessings in a Backpack and Liberty Youth Ranch. With the remaining funds raised from last year’s event, the Foundation also named Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice and Pace Center for Girls, Lee as two additional beneficiaries.
To learn more about the Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation and its charitable initiatives, visit NicholsCup.org.
About the Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation
The Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation was founded in 2002 by a group of Fiddlesticks members, known as Pipers, who volunteer to organize and run the annual Nichols Cup Pro-Am Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Tournaments. The annual tournament recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of golfer Bobby Nichols, a longtime resident of Fiddlesticks and winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments including the 1964 PGA Championship and 1974 Canadian Open. Since the formation of the Bobby Nichols – Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation 21 years ago, more than $17 million has been donated to local children’s charities. To learn more, visit NicholsCup.org or call 239-633-4579.
