Conine Inducted into 'Community Hall of Fame'

Jeff Conine’s accomplishments in major league baseball are significant -- two-time World Series champion, All-Star game MVP, and beloved “Mr. Marlin” to a generation of South Floridians -- but they may ultimately pale in comparison to the impact he is having in the world of philanthropy.

Conine has been an advocate for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for three decades and raised nearly $8 million to support its patients and families during that time. Most of that has underwritten expenses at the Conine Clubhouse, a hotel-like facility adjacent to the children’s hospital in Hollywood where more than 25,000 people have stayed for free while their child was being treated.

In recognition of his work with the nonprofit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, Conine, a longtime Weston resident, was recently inducted into the “Community Hall of Fame” by the Jason Taylor Foundation. The honor included a $10,000 donation by Taylor’s foundation to the Conine Clubhouse and the announcement by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that the DiMaggio foundation would be the beneficiary of its charitable efforts in August.

“It’s an honor for us to get a chance to honor (Jeff),” said Jason Taylor, whose foundation supports the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida children in need. “He’s very deserving, a great candidate for us, and really a great ambassador for South Florida in general.”

Taylor specifically cited the impact Conine has had through the Conine All-Star Golf Classic, an annual celebrity golf event that will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024. Presented by Custom Rod & Reel, it has included the likes of Dan Marino, Alonzo Mourning, and Lawrence Taylor and will take place January 22 at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Proceeds from the fundraiser are earmarked each year for use at the Conine Clubhouse.

“Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital attracts patients from throughout Florida and families should remain close to children during treatment, as we did when our son was a baby,” said Conine, who co-hosts the golf tournament with his wife, Cindy. “We don’t want parents to have travel or financial burdens during what are already some of the most stressful times imaginable.”

For more information about the milestone 30th edition of the golf tournament, visit www.conineallstargolfclassic.com. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by connecting with Craig Cohen at 954-265-7241 or crcohen@mhs.net.