Health First Golf Classic at Suntree Country Club Raises $500,872 for Aging Services
By Space Coast Daily // April 29, 2026
A powerful show of community support was on full display at Suntree Country Club as golfers, sponsors, and volunteers came together
BREVARD COUNTY • SUNTREE, FLORIDA — A powerful show of community support was on full display April 27 at Suntree Country Club as golfers, sponsors, and volunteers came together for the 2026 Health First Golf Classic – all united by a shared commitment to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve.
By the end of the day, that commitment translated into meaningful impact, with the event raising more than $500,000 – a new record for the tournament – to support Health First Aging Services, a comprehensive program providing medical, emotional, and practical support through the Geriatric Clinic, the state-funded Memory Disorder Clinic, and the Center for Family Caregivers.
Together, these services ensure families have access to trusted guidance and support at no cost.
For many, the mission is deeply personal.
Local caregiver Fred Cichon shared how critical Aging Services’ support became during one of the most difficult seasons of his life.
“Finding the Center for Family Caregivers was a turning point for me caring for my wife, Elaine,” Cichon said.
“It gave me a place to go, where people understood exactly what I was going through.”
Stories like Cichon’s were at the heart of the day’s message – a reminder that behind every program supported through Aging Services is a family searching for answers, stability, and connection.
“Because of this community’s generosity, families don’t have to face these moments alone,” said Michael Seeley, President of the Health First Foundation.
“Together, we are ensuring that compassionate care, trusted guidance, and meaningful support are available when they are needed most.”
Health First Aging Services remains the only program of its kind in the region, offering comprehensive support through a range of services.
As Brevard County’s population continues to age, with nearly one in four residents being older than 65, the need for these services continues to grow.
The tournament itself reflected both the spirit of competition and collaboration.
A full field of 224 golfers took to the course, with top honors awarded to the Challenge Course winning team from Boys Electrical Contractors (Kyle Nylander, Braxton Williams, Chad Braid, and Haynes Payne), and the Classic Course winning team from W & J Construction (Rick Cofer, Steve Carlyle, Travis Lorenzen, and Weston Perkins).
While the competition was strong, the shared purpose behind each swing carried even greater weight.
Shane Burnsed, Business Leader of Gilbane Building, underscored that commitment.
“We at Gilbane are proud to be the title sponsor and support this event benefiting Health First Aging Services,” Burnsed said.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Health First in support of the Brevard community.”
From the first tee to the final putt, the day reflected something larger than a tournament – a community coming together to ensure that no family faces the challenges of aging alone.
About Health First Foundation
Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation advances medical technology, enhances patient programs, and expands access to compassionate, high-quality care, ensuring exceptional healthcare is always close to home.
This is the mission of Health First – to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve.
To learn more about Health First Aging Services or to support the mission, visit hf.org/give.
Health First Golf Classic Leaders and Sponsors
■ Co-Chairs: Gene Cavallucci and Bill Potter, Esq.
■ Health First Golf Classic Major Sponsors
■ Title Sponsor: Gilbane Building
■ Diamond Sponsors: Brasfield & Gorrie, Brevard Physician Associates, Med-Metrix
Robins & Morton, W+J Construction
