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Members of Stone Creek Community Clubs and friends of Bruce Kaplan join staff from the Reilly Arts Center for a celebratory check presentation. The groups raised $15,592 in support of the center, which is the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. [Submitted photo]

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Posted April 12, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Inaugural tournament raises $15K+
The first Bruce Kaplan Memorial Golf Tournament, which took place on Feb. 28 at the Stone Creek Golf Club, raised $15,592 for the Reilly Arts Center, the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Kaplan was president of the Stone Creek Culture Vultures and a frequent visitor to the Reilly Arts Center where his wife, Barbara, sings in the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He was an active member of Stone Creek Community Theatre and performed in numerous productions. He was an avid golfer and co-founded “The PuttHeads” a golf social club at Stone Creek, the news release noted. He died April 22, 2024, according to legacy.com

The tournament, hosted by members of several Stone Creek Community Clubs and friends of Kaplan, brought together more than 85 golfers. The top sponsors of the event were Florida Express Waste & Recycling and Regions Bank.

“We deeply appreciate the strong support of our sponsors, volunteers and the entire Stone Creek community, which came together to remember Bruce and support the performing arts in Marion County,” said Cindy Stelmar, co-chair of the golf tournament steering committee, in the release

“Never underestimate the impact that a passionate group of volunteers can have. We had no doubt that when this committee was formed in Bruce’s memory that they would host a successful event. The committee has truly helped carry on the vision that Bruce had before his passing and we know he would be thrilled with the final results. The Reilly Arts Center is so grateful for their volunteer service and for this generous contribution to our organization,” Natalie McComb, the center’s executive director, said in the release.

Book sale benefitted animal services
The Great Book Sale was sponsored by the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala, the Rotary Club of IMPACT Ocala and Paddock Mall, and took place on March 22 at the mall.

The event, which was dedicated to the memory of an individual who had a lifelong passion for books and a deep love for animals, raised $1,000 for Marion County Animal Services.

The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala is committed to enhancing the lives of seniors through educational programs, community support and outreach initiatives. The Rotary Club of IMPACT Ocala focuses on “Service Above Self,” engaging in projects that benefit the local and global community.

Ocala leader honored at dinner
Valerie Dailey, owner and broker of Showcase Properties, was honored at an American Values Dinner on April 8 at the Circle Square Cultural Center for her dedication to supporting youth development programs.

Her commitment to organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, also known as Scouting America, 4-H and FFA are examples of her belief in the transformative power of these programs and her deep connection to the Marion County community, the news release noted.

“I started out as a Brownie, but when my best friend got a pony, 4-H became a better fit. That decision set me on a path of hands-on learning, responsibility and leadership,” she said in the release, adding emphasis about the importance of activities like camping and learning outdoor skills. “That’s why I’m so excited that the funds we raise tonight will give more kids the chance to experience camping—because for many of them, this will be their first time hiking a trail, paddling a canoe or sleeping under the stars.”

The Boys Scouts of America North Florida Council serves youth ages 5 to 21. To learn more, go to nfcscouting.org