Tournament of Hope announces this year’s recipients

The Tournament of Hope (TOH) is a result of tradeshow community compassion. This year’s event is to be held on August 19 at ChampionsGate Golf Club in Orlando, Fla.


TOH is not simply a charity event, it is a charitable organization which benefits individuals in the Orlando tradeshow industry, and assists with the cost associated with life-changing sickness. Recipients of the proceeds are tradeshow and convention industry employees, or relatives who have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness or disability.

The 2010 event has pre-chosen this year’s annual beneficiaries and looks forward to assisting industry members with their needs.

“This year’s recipients for the Tournament of Hope have been determined based on the severity of their medical illness or disability,” said Christina Spoon, TOH representative. “The recipients either work directly in the industry or have a family member that is affected and has nominated them. They all have different stages of various cancers and are in need of medical equipment. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to help those that really need it and are looking for a promise of new hope.”

In all, six worthy recipients have been chosen to receive aid from this year’s funding. There will be five industry adults and one minor.

In no particular order, they are Scott Zellner, Event Mall; Phil Kateli, security division Orange County Convention Center; Roxana Diaz Pow Sang, extended family of Freeman employee; Sue Medina, journeyman local 835; John Halverson, US Tradeshows and “Timmy” who is the grandson of Linda Fuller of local 835.

TOH has high hopes for matching last year’s rousing success.

“Even though this is only our 3rd year, the amount of support the Orlando tradeshow community is showing really says something for itself, we are getting sponsors and players signing up daily,” said Spoon. “We anticipate this being our biggest year yet.”

According to Spoon, the previous year TOH rose in excess of $16,000 with a total of 81 players, 23 sponsors, and 14 volunteers all pitching in for the cause. All proceeds went directly to the recipients.

The 2010 event will include an array of exciting contests, silent auctions, raffles, a down-home buffet, trophies, and first and second grand prizes passed down at an award reception.

Early registration will earn participants a five percent discount on an $85 per player fee. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 6:30 a.m. and the shot-gun start begins promptly at 7:45 a.m.