On October 5, 2024, the Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic returned to The Links Golf Course at Sandestin, bringing together golf enthusiasts, community leaders, and supporters for its 6th annual tournament. This year’s event was another incredible success, raising $35,000 for the Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK)—a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families in need, both locally and abroad.

A Community-Driven Legacy of Giving

The Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic began with a simple idea—a group of local businessmen gathering at Harbor Cigars to share conversations about life, politics, faith, and the community they love. Over time, their meetings evolved into a movement, with a shared goal of giving back to the place that had supported them for so many years. After careful consideration of multiple charitable organizations, the group chose Sandestin Foundation for Kids as the primary beneficiary of their fundraising efforts.

The Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic has grown year after year, with its 5th annual tournament in 2023 raising over $40,000 for SDFK—the foundation’s largest private donation to date. This year, while supporting SDFK once again, the tournament was also able to expand its impact by donating $20,000 to Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill shelter and sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in Northwest Florida.

Sandestin Foundation for Kids: Helping Children Locally and Abroad

Established in 2011 by the Becnel Family, the Sandestin Foundation for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing immediate support to children and families facing hardship, both locally and abroad. Whether due to tragedy, economic hardship, or health challenges, SDFK ensures that 100% of donations directly benefit those in need.

Through partnerships like the Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic, SDFK continues to grow its impact, supporting causes and organizations that make a real difference in children’s lives.

Growing the Impact, Year After Year

The success of the 6th Annual Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic is a testament to the generosity and dedication of our community. With each event, the Harbor Rats continue to expand the reach of SDFK and support other meaningful causes in our area.

As we look toward next year’s tournament, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated, donated, or contributed to this incredible cause. Your generosity is making a real difference—one child, one family, and one rescued animal at a time.