FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2015) – Lee County employers have jobs but can’t find qualified employees to fill the positions.

Currently, only 38 percent of working-age Floridians have earned a two- or four-year degree, but by 2020, 60 percent of Florida jobs will require a postsecondary degree or certificate.

This is why the Rotary Club of Fort Myers Sunrise is partnering with The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. to create a new golf tournament to raise funds to provide scholarships for local students to continue their education at a technical or trade school, or a college or university.

On Friday, May 22, the Rotary Club of Fort Myers Sunrise will host its inaugural Pro-Am Golf Classic at the Forest Country Club in Fort Myers. Proceeds will fund scholarships through The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.

“These scholarships will help ensure that the future workforce and leaders of our community are well equipped to meet the needs and issues in our global economy,” said Marshall T. Bower, Esq., president and CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, who will administer the scholarships.

Twenty-five teams of four amateurs and one professional will tee off in a two best ball format. Pros will compete for a $1,000 purse.

Sponsorships starting at $100 are now available and include presenting sponsor, shirt sponsor, junior clinic sponsor, cart sponsor, box lunch sponsor, hole-in-one sponsor, gift bag sponsor and more. Entry fees are $125 per player and $50 for professionals. Beverages, hors d’oeuvres and a boxed lunch will be included.

“Through our partnership with The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, our club is committed to expanding the pool of skilled workers in our community,” said Rotary Sunrise President David Gallentine.

“Our goal is to make this event successful in order to improve our community, employers and youth,” said Rotary Sunrise member John Kimbell, chair of the 2015 Pro-Am and immediate past chair of the Chico’s Patty Berg Memorial.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources and experiences made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.

Rotary International is made up of 1.2 million neighbors, friends and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in their communities and around the world. The Rotary Club of Fort Myers Sunrise includes 35 members who attend weekly meetings and raise money for various efforts including the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, the Heights Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, Junior Achievement, hunger organizations and more.

For more information, call 239-218-1997 or email jkimbell46@gmail.com.