Spa Invitational X: Less Pace, More Grace

A sellout event with little to no advertising, Spa Invitational is a fundraiser that keeps attendees entertained and engaged with an entire day of relaxing and pampering. This spring’s take on a golf tournament marked the 10th time since 2011 women have come together in support of Grace Medical Home.

Iam so proud to see Spa Invitational harness the power of so many fabulous women in our community to benefit an amazing charity like Grace Medical Home. An idea that started as a fun golf parity has now raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for women, children and families here in Central Florida,” says founder Sherry Magee, Senior Director, Community Relations, KPMG Lakehouse.

Her idea to take a traditionally male charity outing and tailor it to women with 18 holes of spa-inspired activities — plus wellness and arts sessions — was a winner from the start. Since the beginning, the Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando has served as host and donated a day of services. But Sherry and the volunteer committee wanted it to be more, so they invited local vendors to set up for what they call shopportunities, planned an inspiring luncheon, and ended the day with a 19th hole (in Rocks Lounge) wrap-up reception.

By the numbers it’s been an impressive 10-time run: 342 volunteers; 1,276 players; 10,000 nails polished; 1,300 massages given; 1,050 feet soaked; and 67 pop-up shops. For Grace Medical Home, it’s been a vital resource providing more than $400,000, which translates into 4,000 patient visits. It has also served to introduce community leaders to Grace’s mission. The organization that provides continuous, comprehensive primary care to the uninsured has seen 137,179 patient encounters with a value of care equaling more than $58 million.

According to Stephanie Garris, Grace Medical Home CEO, Spa Invitational has filled an important funding gap since the organization ended its own fundraiser, Let’s Say Grace, several years ago when it relocated. “It was our only event, but when we moved it wasn’t feasible. And then we had the pandemic. What’s incredible about Spa Invitational is that it is just shy of what we netted from Let’s Say Grace,” she explains.

Most of the money raised is from sponsorships — Orlando Health is the presenting sponsor — foursomes and silent auction items. But this year a live auction and an ask were added at the luncheon.

“What brought tears to my eyes was the paddle raise this year. We had never done that before and to see the women giving to the mission was amazing. We were nervous about doing it. It was very humbling and inspiring to see. It’s transformational and life changing for our patients. I feel the same way about the Spa participants as I do about our patients in that we strive for a relationship with them and want to improve their health through those relationships,” Stephanie adds.

Next year’s event date is already set for May 17 and the committee will be gearing up again soon. “This could not have been done without the leadership of the host committee, and our amazing partnership with the Hyatt Regency Orlando and our presenting sponsor Orlando Health. Together, we dream storm every year to create a unique, fun and inspiring event! We can always use more committee members so if you are looking to make a difference, reach out to us,” Sherry concludes.

For more information visit spainvitational.org and gracemedicalhome.org