FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Two well-deserving individuals and one outstanding organization were recognized for their contributions to Southwest Florida student-athletes at the annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation Playmakers Tailgate Party.

Mark and Mary Thomas and Off Duty Fishing Series were honored at the April 12 event for their dedication, support and advocacy of the foundation and the Southwest Florida community. The Thomases were awarded the 2024 Most Valuable Player award while the Off Duty Fishing Series received the 2024 Team Player of the Year Award.

The Thomases spend much of their time working with their family foundation in support of multiple other causes, including the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the couple took action to ensure no child in Lee County was without a Christmas gift by partnering and volunteering with the Tommy Bohanon Foundation's holiday toy drive.

After the devastation of Hurricane Ian in fall 2022, the Off Duty Fishing Series was started by Alec Dilallo, Ryan Joyce and Michael Werner as a way to bring people together, appreciate this beautiful place we call home and raise money for a community severely impacted by the storm.

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The fishing series began in April 2023; through its first two years, the event donated $40,000 to the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. Event organizers take part in many of the Foundation's programs including offering support during the Youth Football Camp on the emergency response team and volunteering as mentors at the Foundation's Man Up Seminar.

"We are sincerely grateful for the support we've been given by the Thomases and the Off Duty Fishing Series," said Foundation President Tommy Bohanon. "Without their dedication and generosity, and the support from so many others, we wouldn't be able to help the student-athletes of the community like we do. We know there are obstacles that young people face each day, and we will continue to assist them in excelling in all aspects of their lives."

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation serves adolescents ranging from ages five to 18 and develops high school athletes into future leaders in our community through volunteer and scholarship opportunities.

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For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.

About the Tommy Bohanon Foundation

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Former NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.