Business leaders, philanthropists, pro athletes and a few famous faces hit the greens Tuesday for a picture-perfect day of golf and giving back at the prestigious Pelican Golf Club, host of the First Annual Harrington Foundation Golf Classic.
Organized by Shark Tank original and entrepreneurial icon Kevin Harrington, the event combined high-impact networking with heartfelt purpose, raising funds for youth entrepreneurship programs and U.S. veterans through the Harrington Foundation.
With clear skies, custom signage and perfectly polished fairways, the event offered an elite blend of luxury, community and cause.
“This is what it’s all about—connecting great people for an even greater purpose,” Harrington told guests before tee-off. “Today is about legacy, leadership, and lifting others up.”
Big Names. Big Swings. Big Impact.
The guest list was a headline in itself.
Kevin Harrington and his family led the charge, bringing their vision to life alongside foundation CEO Matt George and event coordinator Cassidy Collier. The Board of Advisors brought serious star power and strategy, including Robert Blackmon, Brigadier General Chip Diehl (Ret.) and Brian Harrington.
Sports legends and media personalities added to the day’s high energy and friendly competition.
MLB greats Gary Sheffield and Steve Pearce, both World Series champs, brought heat to the course, joined by former Rays pitcher Seth McClung and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, whose presence wowed even the regulars.
Tampa Bay Lightning pride was strong with alumni Pat Jablonski and broadcaster Brian Engblom, teeing off with Dave Randorf and Rick Peckham, whose voices are iconic across the Bay.
Boxing champ Winky Wright and NBA titleholder Mo Speights made surprise appearances, adding swagger to the greens.
Rounding out the VIPs were NFL pro-turned-agent Andre Kirwan, real estate mogul Russ Whitney and local media mainstay JP Peterson, who added his signature flair to the clubhouse buzz.
I, Samantha Elliott, was also on the scene, capturing the excitement of the day.
Playing for a Purpose
Funds raised benefited Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay and MacDill Air Force Base’s Tinker K–8 School—two organizations dedicated to empowering youth and military families.
Signature foundation programs also stood center stage, including the Kevin Harrington Entrepreneurial Hub, which gives young minds real-world business tools, and the Veteran Entrepreneurship Initiative, designed to help veterans launch and grow their own businesses.
Sponsors with Style
The corporate support came through in full swing—literally.
From GolfSuites setting up a fan-favorite putting activation, to Durty Girl Cocktails pouring signature drinks at the reception, sponsors showed up with flair. Brands like Big Brand Ventures, Celsius, the Tampa Bay Rays, RxSight, and Fusion Cigar Lounge each brought their own unique energy to the day—whether through custom signage, branded swag or on-site experiences.
From $1,000 hole sponsors to $25,000 title sponsors, the backing was bold—but the mission stayed front and center.
The Start of a Legacy
As the sun set over the final hole, players gathered for a cocktail reception, swapping stories, contacts, and plenty of praise for a day well played.
The consensus? This wasn’t just a golf tournament. It was the beginning of something bigger—a new St. Pete tradition with heart, hustle and a whole lot of community spirit.
And if this was year one, we can only imagine what next year will bring.