Maria Mamangakis, Nick Copolla and Steve Mamangakis [Photo: Kaila Jones]

An outpouring of kindness and generosity was contagious at the fourth annual Golf Tournament and Par-Tee fundraiser to benefit the Live Like Cole Foundation. The festivities kicked off with a dinner party Friday night at the Moorings Yacht & Country Club, and carried over into Saturday with the tournament at the Moorings at Hawk’s Nest Golf Club.

“In the past we held the Par-Tee after the tournament, but decided to change it up this year and have it the night prior so non-golfers can participate,” explained Dr. Nick Coppola.

Friday night was an evening filled with hope and promise, as guests chatted about the nonprofit’s many accomplishments over the past four years and the future projects the board has in mind.

“In the past few years we’ve raised in excess of $100,000 from this event and it all goes back into the community. We finalized the construction of the Live Like Cole Fishing Pier in Riverside Park and were able to fund the reconstruction of the Live Like Cole Docks at the Fountains on Royal Palm Pointe,” said Coppola. “We are working on the bike share program and recently installed two bike repair stations in Gifford. We are so thankful for the generosity of the community to help us continue Cole’s legacy of spreading kindness.”

“Tonight, we have invited our board of directors, sponsors, supporters and friends to join us for an evening of fun and kindness and making a difference in our community,” said Melanie Coppola, Foundation CEO.

Roughly 100 guests enjoyed cocktails while perusing seemingly endless silent-auction tables filled with donated gift packages and a variety of items in the brilliant, cheerful colors that signify the Live Like Cole ideology. As a prelude to the golf tournament, Golf Carts of Vero Beach donated a golf cart which was raffled off last month.

A 50/50 raffle drawing and a lively auction orchestrated by auctioneer Wesley Davis followed a delicious chicken Française dinner.

“This is an excellent opportunity to come out and support a great organization,” said Davis. “And it’s always a group of fun, positive people.”

The foundation was established by the Coppola family following the tragic death of their 16-year-old son, Cole. Their mission is to “encourage children and adults alike to support others, to foster self-worth and to help their fellow man.”

“It’s heartwarming to see something so positive come out of something so negative,” said board member Chris Sexton. “It’s an absolute honor to serve on the board and continue Cole’s legacy of kindness.”