Committee members – (back row) Kelly Neirstadt, Lynn Ivanek, Sherry Magee and Kari Conley (front row) Holly Wilton and Stephanie Garris – dressed by Athleta at The Mall at Millenia and photographed by Christi Ashby at The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando.
More than a decade ago, local executive Sherry Magee was envious of the time her mostly male colleagues got to escape the office for some networking on the links at charity golf tournaments and wondered why there couldn’t be a more focused event where women could gather to do good. In 2011 she realized her dream with the inaugural Spa Invitational – and she has not looked back, growing the day into one of the most sought-after registrations.
“We started this because we felt like there was a need to level the playing field for local businesswomen. We are honored to partner with Grace Medical Home that helps those who have fallen through the healthcare cracks. They have jobs but don’t have access to affordable insurance,” explains Sherry Magee, Senior Director, Community Relations, KPMG Lakehouse.
The Spa Invitational, presented by Orlando Health, is celebrating its 10th event this year and the activities and camaraderie will again be at the forefront as 144 “players” will tee off on May 6 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The experience “holes” include a variety of mini spa services as well as interactive sessions in some of the resort’s suites. Each hole has been thoughtfully planned so there is something of interest, from cooking to fashion styling – and this year there is even a dance class. The luncheon features an inspiring speaker and celebrates golf achievements like the hole in one (a hole in the tablecloth at one seat) and longest drive (who came the farthest). Players also get the opportunity to shop with multiple vendors and bid on silent auction items.
“We are blessed that Sherry Magee chose Grace Medical Home as the beneficiary of this fantastic and unique event. For the past nine years, she has spent countless hours raising money and awareness of our ministry by bringing together incredible women who have a desire to give back while enjoying a day at the spa,” says Lynn Fleming Ivanek, Director of Philanthropy, Grace Medical Home.
About Spa Invitational
What: A spoof on a traditional golf tournament with 18 holes of pampering and relaxing, continental breakfast, shopping, bidding, luncheon, and afternoon awards ceremony.
When/Where: Escape and relax on May 6, 8am – 5pm, at The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando.
Dress: Comfy clothes such as yoga or spa attire are the norm.
More info: spainvitational.org
About Grace Medical Home
More than 180,000 people in Orange County are uninsured and have no access to ongoing care due to insurance status and cost barriers.
Grace Medical Home reflects the heart of Christ by offering the highest level of health care to the low-income, uninsured in Orange County. Grace is more than medicine. As a medical home, primary care providers work in tandem with mental health counselors, dieticians, specialty care physicians, dentists, spiritual care volunteers and others to make sure every patient has access to care and support to address their unique health care needs. The scope of care ranges from basic annual check-ups to coordinating life-saving surgery with referral partners. Grace also addresses the social determinants of health like food insecurity and housing instability to connect patients with the community resources they need to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Grace’s mission is supported almost entirely through private donations and more than 24,000 volunteer service hours annually. Since its inception in 2010, Grace has served more than 5,000 patients and provided more than $1.1 million annually in avoided costs to local hospital partners. For more information, visit gracemedicalhome.org.