Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation celebrates $20 million milestone

FORT MYERS, Fla. - March 26, 2025 - PRLog -- The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation concluded its 23rd annual Nichols Cup tournaments and auction gala at Fiddlesticks Country Club on Monday, Feb. 17, bringing its total fundraising to date to $20 million for children's charities in Southwest Florida.

This year, Nichols Cup events raised more than $1.6 million in net revenue to serve local abused and at-risk children. The signature four-day charity event, themed "Brighter Horizons: Real Kids, Real Need for a Better Tomorrow," featured a pro-am golf tournament, tennis tournament and pickleball tournament, as well as a neighborhood "fun-raiser," gala event, and live and silent auctions.

Since 2002, Nichols Cup has supported local children's charities in helping over 100,000 abused and neglected children. The Foundation's two primary charity partners are the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (https://www.cac-swfl.org/) and Abuse Counseling & Treatment. Additional beneficiaries include Blessings in a Backpack (https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/), Liberty Youth Ranch, (https://libertyyouthranch.org/) Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice (https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/) and Pace Center for Girls, Lee (https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/florida/lee).

Founded by longtime Fiddlesticks resident Bobby Nichols, winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, the PGA recognizes the Nichols Cup golf tournament as one of the most successful community-sponsored pro-am tournaments in the U.S. The tournament recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of Nichols.

"I feel so grateful to be part of a community that comes together each year to channel my passion for golf and transform it into life-changing support for our children," said Nichols. "It's my hope that this tournament will continue to provide brighter horizons to the thousands of at-risk children in need in Southwest Florida."

Hosted by baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench and auctioneer Scott Robertson, 555 guests attended the Feb. 15 fundraising gala, bidding on silent and live auction items. Top-selling auction items included an exclusive golf experience package for two to play like a pro at the Lexus Champions for Charity Amateur Tournament; two four-day badges to attend The Masters along with a five-night stay; and a surprise live auction featuring signed jerseys and bats of Johnny Bench and former Red Sox outfielder Dwight Evans. The four-day charity event culminated with the 23rd annual Nichols Cup Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

"Bobby Nichols dreamed of a better future for local at-risk children, and today, as we celebrate surpassing $20 million raised, we honor that vision," said Bryan Simmering, president of the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation. "To the hundreds of supportive donors who gathered with us to make a difference in the lives of so many children, thank you. I'm proud to serve on the board of such an impactful organization."

To learn more, email info@nicholscup.org or visit NicholsCup.org.