The Miami Dolphins Foundation hosted Fins Weekend, its largest annual event featuring current players, alumni and cheerleaders on June 5-7, 2014 in South Florida. The three-day extravaganza featured an exciting weekend of golf, fishing and celebrities. Proceeds from Fins Weekend benefit the Miami Dolphins Foundation, whose mission is devoted to providing and supporting signature education, health, youth athletic programs and volunteer activities that inspire and engage communities throughout Florida.
“What terrific weather we were blessed with for this tremendous occasion,” said Fins Weekend Chair Jeff Peck. “It’s a unique opportunity in South Florida to enjoy fishing and golfing while raising funds that will stay right here in our community. We’re blessed to have incredible participation from the players, alumni and cheerleaders. The Miami Dolphins Foundation pulled off another successful weekend.”
Now in its 18th year, Fins Weekend has grown into the signature fundraising event for the Dolphins Foundation. The festivities began on Thursday, June 5, with the Celebrity Draw Party at the Miami Beach Golf Club. The party included cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and interactive games such as putting, chipping, pitch shot and sand shot for unique prizes.
On Friday, June 6, celebrities, Dolphins players and alumni hit the greens at Miami Beach Golf Club for the Fins Weekend Golf Tournament presented by Waste Management. Centerplate’s team of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Ryan Spadola, along with Sal Ferrulo, Bob Hough and Kevin Mitchell won the tournament, beating out Pepsi’s team with defensive tackle A.J. Francis, along with Patricia Garcia, John McFadden and Paula Bamford, who came in second. Later that evening, the popular Hook & Tackle Captain’s Party took place at the Miami Beach Marina, which featured entertainment and a silent auction.
The following morning, on Saturday, June 7, amateur and professional anglers gathered at the Miami Beach Marina for the Miami Dolphins Foundation Fishing Tournament presented by South Florida Chevy Dealers. Participants enjoyed a day of offshore fishing accompanied by Dolphins players and alumni. In the afternoon, all fishing participants got together for the Hooters Weigh In where Family Therapy outweighed Qualifier by 21 pounds to claim the top overall prize. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brain Hartline was the top angler with a total of 43.6 pounds of fish. Hartline caught the top dolphin weighing in at 23.5 pounds and was second place in the tuna category, reeling in a 20.1 pounder. Meanwhile, Lauren Tannehill beat her huband, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, with an 18.9-pound tuna, the biggest in the female division. Over 70 boats with more than 300 anglers participated in the tournament. Family Therapy won a trip for four on the team charter to a regular season Dolphins away game.
“Once again, we had a fantastic turnout and a beautiful South Florida day for the Miami Dolphins Fishing Tournament presented by the South Florida Chevy Dealers,” said Tournament Chair Jeff Peck. “We would like to thank all the boats and anglers that took part in this year’s tournament and especially those who participated at the Weigh In presented by Hooters. The proceeds from this year’s tournament will continue to help our Foundation have a lasting effect on the South Florida community.”
Later that evening, attendees gathered for the Awards Ceremony presented by Islands of the Bahamas where participants bid on fabulous prizes and were entertained with music from the color islands.
For more information about Fins Weekend and other charitable events hosted by the Miami Dolphins, please call the Community Relations department at (305) 943-7200 or visit dolphins.com.
About The Miami Dolphins Foundation
Established in 1996 as the fundraising arm of the Miami Dolphins Football Team, the Miami Dolphins Foundation is committed to making a difference year round in the South Florida community. Since Chair & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross assumed the leadership of the organization, the Foundation refocused its philanthropic efforts to provide and support cornerstone programs in four distinct areas: health, education, youth fitness programs and volunteer activities. The Miami Dolphins Foundation is working to raise awareness and funds for cancer research “One Mile At A Time” through its Dolphins Cycling Challenge, which raised more than $500,000 for the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Medical Center in its first year. The Sun Life Rising Star Awards is the Foundation’s education cornerstone program, which gives out over $220,000 in grants and scholarships a year for students who cannot otherwise afford to further their education. The Foundation also established the Special Teams Program, a grass roots volunteer organization whose mission is to offer hands-on services to communities and families in need. We The Special Teams program also partners with existing organizations on worthwhile social, civic and charitable programs, to provide assistance at Miami Dolphins Foundation events and to support the community in times of emergency. The Miami Dolphins Foundation youth programs currently work with more than 160,000 students throughout South Florida to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle while growing the game of football. For more information, visit the organization’s website at dolphins.com.
