Special Events

The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation conducts several major events annually, The Winter Haven Hospital Gala, Citrus Classic, Big Bass Bash Tournament, The Mountain Lake Golf Invitational, and 100 Challenge. For more information on all of these events please click here to see the Major Event Sponsorship Opportunities.

Winter Haven Hospital Gala

The Winter Haven Hospital’s Gala is one of Polk County’s signature fundraising event held annually to help support the Hospital’s Cassidy Cancer Center, Bostick Heart Center, Regency Center for Woman & Infants, Stroke Center, Family Health Centers, and the many other patient care services that Winter Haven Hospital provides.

The Winter Haven Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that more than $550,000 in charitable donations was raised as a result of the 21st annual Winter Haven Hospital Gala. This year’s event, held November 4, 2010 at Nora Mayo Hall, has been hailed as one of the best yet. All proceeds from the evening will underwrite patient care services served by Winter Haven Hospital’s Center for Urology, the Robotics Institute, and the Cassidy Cancer Center. On behalf of the Foundation and Winter Haven Hospital, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all of our 2010 gala supporters. Your investment in this important community initiative is of such great value to Winter Haven Hospital and the thousands of patients we serve.

2010: Click here to see our previous Gala photo galleries, event sponsors, thank you ads, and news stories.

2009: Click here to see our 20th Anniversary Gala photo gallery and event sponsors.

The Citrus Classic

Come celebrate wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are an avid runner or simply choose to walk, come join us for great fun at the beautiful Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale. This annual event features a 5K run, three-mile walk, and “Tot Trot” race. All proceeds from sponsorships and participants go to help support the patients of Winter Haven Hospital’s Bostick Heart Center.

2011: The 2011 race will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011. For information on how to register, sponsorship opportunities, vendor information, or to volunteer call (863) 291-6705.

Click here for the registration form.

Click here to register online.

2010: Click here to see race photos and event sponsors and our Thank You.

Big Bass Bash Tournament

This ever popular fishing tournament launches annually from the shores of Lake Shipp Park. All the proceeds raised during this event help go towards supporting the patients at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Winter Haven Hospital Regency Center for Woman and Infants. This event includes great food, live entertainment, fantastic outdoor vendors, and fun for the whole family.

2011: The 3rd Annual Big Bass Bash tournament will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Check back for additional vendor & sponsorship information.

Click here for the registration form.

2010: Click here to see tournament photos, and event sponsor thank you.

2009: Click here to see tournament photos from the 1st Annual event.

Mountain Lake Invitational

Mountain Lake’s prestigious private golf course, ranked as one of America’s top 100, is one of the most exclusive venues in the United States. Sponsorship opportunities for the Foundation’s Invitational Golf event quickly sell out each year, so make sure to contact our office early. Proceeds raised from the event go towards supporting the Winter Haven Hospital’s mission of serving East Polk County communities with services such as the Center for Behavioral Health, Center for Psychiatry, the Joy-Fuller Rehabilitation Center, seven community-based health centers, and support for physicians and professional staff throughout the region.

2010: Click here to see tournament photos, event sponsors, and thank you ad.

The 100 Challenge

This wonderful event raises funds each year for the Winter Haven Hospital’s Stroke Center. What began as a personal challenge between golfing buddies to play 100 holes of golf in a single day is now a major philanthropic event in Polk County. The goal: Raise $1 million for the nationally-accredited Winter Haven Hospital Stroke Center within 10 years, and raise awareness about stroke identification in our community. In 2010, this event included a new and exciting addition, 100 Games of Tennis.

2010: Check out the 2010 photos.