Tommy Bohanon Foundation raises $325,000 at annual Playmakers Tailgate Party

FORT MYERS, Fla. - April 17, 2024 - PRLog -- Three formidable student-athletes were honored at the Tommy Bohanon Foundation Playmakers Tailgate Party for their achievements both on and off the playing fields of Southwest Florida. The annual event, held on Friday, April 12 at The Ranch, raised $325,000 for academic scholarships.

The $10,000 scholarships were awarded to seniors Kayla Hopkins, Dunbar High School; Eric Avin, Bishop Verot High School; and Kyra Ritter, Estero High School.

Hopkins is on her school's track and weightlifting teams, earning several honors, including Lee County Athletic Conference champion in both 100 meters and 400 meters. An honors and International Baccalaureate student, Hopkins will attend Florida Atlantic University in the fall, with plans to study sports psychology.

Avin is a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and track and field. He is a member of the National Honor Society with a 4.0 grade-point average and active in the community, having dedicated over 100 hours in community service, primarily through youth sports camps across Southwest Florida.

Ritter is a member of the bowling and lacrosse teams at her high school. She is also involved in theater arts and is proud of the charity she co-founded, LEAD Estero, and the more than $200,000 it has raised for Estero High students. She is planning to attend the University of Florida and double major in biochemistry and nutritional sciences.

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes reach their highest potential. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2017 the foundation has raised over $1 million.