Nemours Hosts Kids Zone Grand Opening at THE PLAYERS Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The 2025 Kids Zone at THE PLAYERS Championship kicked off in a big way as Nemours Children’s Health hosted a special grand opening event on Tuesday morning. Students from Andrew Robinson Elementary were invited as honored guests to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and be the first to experience the exciting activities inside the Kids Zone.
The event brought together a group of distinguished leaders, including Lee Smith, executive director of THE PLAYERS Championship; Dr. Moss, president and chief executive officer of Nemours Children’s Health; Tabitha Furyk and members of the leadership team from the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation; and Hugh Durden and staff from the duPont Trust. Their collective support underscored a shared commitment to providing enriching opportunities for children in the community.
Following the ceremony, the students explored the Kids Zone before heading out to walk the renowned TPC Sawgrass course, where they cheered on PGA TOUR golfers during practice rounds. Inside the Autograph Zone, the young fans collected signatures from players, making memories they will treasure. The excitement continued with a special lunch in a hospitality suite overlooking the iconic 17th hole, followed by an opportunity to take on the famous 17th hole challenge themselves.
For many of these students, this event was more than just a day of fun—it was a reflection of the care and support they receive from Nemours Children’s Health and the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation. Each week, 460 students at Andrew Robinson Elementary, a Title I school in the Springfield area, receive weekend food through Blessings in a Backpack, made possible by these dedicated partners.
First Coast Blessings in a Backpack is deeply grateful for Nemours Children’s Health and the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation, whose ongoing commitment to going well beyond medicine ensures that children in our community have the nourishment they need to thrive.
