Sterling Companies to Sponsor, Host Freedom Classic Golf Tournament Honoring Armed Forces
Goal Is to Recognize Troops, Get Community Involved
DESTIN, FL, February 14, 2006. The Sterling Companies, Northwest Florida's largest privately held development, sales and resort management firm, will host the first Freedom Classic Golf Tournament to honor U.S. Armed Forces on February 21 at Kelly Plantation in Destin, Fla.
"The goal of this event is to inspire our community to get involved and show continued support for our active and retired military troops," said Buddy Runnels, chairman of the Sterling Companies. "We must continually honor those sons and daughters who are fighting, have fought - and in some cases - have died in defense of our freedom. Not only is it best for America, it's the right thing to do."
The Freedom Classic, which will be held in memory of Col. W.W. Hurt, will bring young men and women on active duty in all branches of the military and Coast Guard to play at Kelly Plantation's Fred Couples-designed course. According to Runnels, the idea behind the tournament is to turn the golf course over to the service members for the day. "We simply want them to have fun," he added.
Over lunch, there will be a prayer session, entertainment by local pianist David Seering, and recognition of recent Bronze and Silver Star Recipients.
Local companies and individuals donating materials for the event include Earl Durden, Coastal Community Bank & Insurance, and Gary Roberts from Vanguard Bank.
ABOUT THE STERLING COMPANIES:
The Sterling Companies, consisting of Sterling Development, Sterling Realty and Sterling Resorts, is Northwest Florida's only fully-integrated, full-service resort development, sales and management firm.
From resort development and real estate sales to vacation home rental and homeowner association management, The Sterling Companies provides a full range of services for luxury resorts, condominiums and vacation homes located throughout Northwest Florida.
Headquartered in Destin, Fla., The Sterling Companies employ more than 200 people and is projecting combined 2006 annual revenues in excess of $600 million. For more information, visit www.TheSterlingCo.com or contact Kim Wintner at 850-269-8234.
For more information, contact:
Carla Parks at (407) 261-5716 or cparks@gilbertmanjura.com




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