Good News - December 2019

OUT AND ABOUT 50 DECEMBER 2019 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition BrandStar CARES, the philanthropic arm of BrandStar, hosted the in- augural Montel Williams Military Makeover Celebrity Golf Classic & Gala On November 17 and 18 at Parkland Golf & Country Club. The VIP Gala was a sold out event that honored new Military Makeover recipient, Debra Hixon, wife of the late Chris Hixon, Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach at MSD High School, and 27-year U.S. Navy Veteran. The event started off with the na- tional anthem sung by 10- year-old Parkland student and soprano singer Reina Ozbay. Montel Williams was on hand during an emotional ceremony when Debra Hixon and her son were surprised with an original painting of her late husband from world renowned artist, David Banegas. Veterans of all wars were honored as well as several Purple Heart attendees. There was also a special ap- pearance from the fa- mous navy sailor who was photographed in 1945 kissing a woman in a nurse’s uniform in Time Square NYC. The follow- ing day 110 golfers com- peted at Parkland Golf and Country Club with 20 celebs from NFL, NBA, PGA and the entertain- ment world. This inaugural event was a huge suc- cess and raised money for future Military Makeover recipients and two non- profit partners, Parkland Cares and Thank You First Responder. Montel Williams Military Makeover Celebrity Golf Classic & Gala Honors The Late Chris Hixon Pictured from left to right: Gregg Wallick, Duane Starks, Montel Williams, James Taylor, Michael Rozenblum, Leslie Feldman and Mark Alfieri