PALM CITY, Fla. — The Education Foundation of Martin County’s sixth annual Mah Jongg tournament recently raised $25,000 to benefit local students and teachers. Held at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, and presented by Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, the charity event was once again a sell-out with more than 100 players participating.
The Mah Jongg tournament is held each year to support the many educational enrichment programs provided by the Education Foundation to benefit the students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. The theme of “Make a Hand and Give a Hand to Education” lets participants know they’re playing for a worthy cause while having fun at the same time.
Part of the event’s proceeds were generated by guests bidding on a variety of silent auction items, including spa treatments, jewelry, gift baskets, restaurant gift cards and golf outings.
When the tournament finished, Karen Weisberg was declared the first place Mah Jongg winner, followed by Sharon Rosenthal, Lori Finnerty, Eileen Terry and Janet Profeta.
Tournament Committee Chair Lois McGuire organizes the event each year. She said, “It was heartwarming to watch 104 women play a game they love to help students and teachers in Martin County. I am honored each year to be a part of the Education Foundation of Martin County's Mah Jongg Tournament.”
Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County, expressed her appreciation to McGuire for organizing this event since its inception.
“We are grateful for Lois’ leadership skills and dedication in organizing this event for so many years,” said Rhodes. “Lois will be stepping down from this role in 2027 so we are looking for a tournament director to fill her shoes.”
Rhodes also acknowledged the event sponsors and players who come together to support education. The sponsors were Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Water’s Edge Health Care. Rehabilitation. Assisted Living, Ann Vossekuil, Hobe Sound Veterinary Clinic and Vanessa Gumm PA of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
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Photo IDs (from left) – Photo Credit: Doreen Poreba
DMP_1467.jpg – Committee Chair Lois McGuire and Vanessa Gumm, a sponsor
DMP_1504.jpg – Tournament participants Annette Theriault and Lois Fraser
DMP_1507.jpg – April Reynolds, Kam Petel, Kirsten Knowles, Tracy Newfield
DMP_1517.jpg – Mildred Carpena, Dominique Carpena
DMP_1531.jpg – Justine Angland, Julie Spircoff , Judy Chamberlin and Jill Burton with Sandhill Cove Retirement Living
DMP_1532.jpg – Gina Ackleson and Michele Davidson with Waters Edge Health & Rehabilitation and EFMC Executive Director Lisa Rhodes
DMP_1585_winners.jpg – Sharon Rosenthal, Lori Finnerty, Eileen Terry and Janet Profeta
