Blessings in a Backpack has been awarded $160,000 from the Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, supporting the organization’s work to provide hunger-free weekends for kids across Southwest Florida.

The grant was presented on March 20, with Southwest Florida Managing Director Tony Ceresoli and board member Karina Borgia-LaCroix in attendance. Earlier in the season, Borgia-LaCroix and Pam Spears also represented Blessings in a Backpack at the Nichols Cup Legacy Gala on February 14, joining fellow beneficiary organizations and community supporters.

This year, the foundation awarded more than $1.5 million to six children’s organizations in Southwest Florida, bringing its total charitable giving to nearly $22 million.

Funds were raised through the 24th annual Nichols Cup tournaments and auction gala, which supports programs serving abused, neglected, and at-risk children across the region.

The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, founded in 2002, is powered by a dedicated group of member volunteers, the Pipers, who organize and host its signature fundraising events. Blessings in a Backpack was added as a beneficiary in 2011, and the foundation’s contributions have now reached $1.5 million in support of Blessings in a Backpack’s mission to feed kids on the weekends.

“There’s kids who go all week without any food, and you think this can’t happen in America — well it does,” said Bobby Nichols, a former PGA Tour professional and the foundation’s namesake. “But now, with Blessings in a Backpack and the help that we have with the other charities, I think we’re making an impact.”

Nichols, a winner of 14 PGA Tour tournaments, including the 1964 PGA Championship and the 1974 Canadian Open, has been a resident of Fiddlesticks since its inception. Through his leadership and the ongoing commitment of the Fiddlesticks community, the foundation continues to create meaningful change for children and families across Southwest Florida.

With this latest grant, Blessings in a Backpack will continue expanding its reach, ensuring more kids have access to consistent, weekend nutrition throughout the school year.