Mark your calendar for the Second Annual Vested Metals Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, March 25, at Marsh Creek Country Club.
For the second year, Vested Metals International, a specialty metals and steels supplier based in St. Augustine, will host its charity golf tournament in honor of friend and colleague, John Mark Leach, who died in 2022. The first inaugural tournament took place in March 2023 and raised more than $60,000 for local nonprofit organizations benefiting youth and their families.
“When John Mark passed away, I knew that I wanted to do something to commemorate his giving spirit and zest for life,” said Viv Helwig, president and founder of Vested Metals. “Because of the generous support of our sponsors and all of the golfers that came out to play last year, as well as Vested Metals staff and John Mark’s family, the First Annual Golf Tournament was an incredible success — and we know this year will be even bigger and better.”
The tournament will be held for the first time at the Marsh Creek Country Club golf course, which is a premier 18-hole championship course located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. Designed by renowned golf course architect Mark McCumber, the par-72 course measures 6,888 yards and spans across lush green fairways nestled by giant oak trees.
“Just like last year, we’ll incorporate some of John Mark’s favorite things,” said Helwig, “like ice cream sandwiches delivered halfway through the golfers’ round and a ginger ale toast during the reception.” Helwig plans to host the fundraiser every year, with the goal of raising a million dollars for local charities by the year 2033.
Vested Metals is currently looking for sponsors for this year’s charity tournament, with opportunities ranging from a single ticket to packages for two to four players. Email golf@vestedmetals.net for more information.
The Marsh Creek Country Club is located at 169 Marshside Drive, St. Augustine. The event will kick off at noon with a shotgun start. The 18-hole, four-person scramble features the chance to win a car with a "Hole-in-One," a Longest Drive contest, and complimentary on-course snacks and beverages. At 5 p.m., there will be a post-event reception to announce winners, present contest prizes, recognize beneficiaries and honor the Leach Family.
Tickets can be purchased online at vestedmetals.net/golf. Donations are welcome for those who cannot attend.
Vested Metals International was founded in 2014 by Helwig, a Jamaican native who grew up in Palm Bay, Florida, and graduated from Flagler College. The fast-growing distribution company is headquartered in St. Augustine, and sources hard-to-find alloys, grades and sizes for niche applications and markets such as medical, defense, aerospace, industrial and power generation.
For more information, go to vestedmetals.net.
