Johnny Bench Draws Crowd, Helps Raise $40,000 for Indian River State College Student-Athletes 

Two-day event brings together River alumni, fans, and community to support student-athlete success 

PALM CITY, FL (May 5, 2026)  — The Indian River State College Athletic Department raised more than $40,000 in conjunction with the Indian River State College Foundation during a two-day event. The experience united alumni, student-athletes, and community supporters while celebrating the College’s strong baseball tradition. 

Two men shake hands and smile in front of a royal blue curtain backdrop. The man on the left wears a dark suit with a red tie. The man on the right wears a blue button-down shirt, khaki pants, and a white striped flat cap.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore and Johnny Bench 

The event featured a meet-and-greet with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. It also included a golf tournament and a helicopter ball drop. 

An Evening with Johnny Bench 

First, the event opened with an intimate meet-and-greet with Bench. A legendary baseball catcher, Bench is widely regarded as one of the greatest in MLB history. Each guest received a personal photo and time with Bench.  

Baseball alumni joined community members and College leadership. Bench spoke about his small-town roots and his path to success. He emphasized the value of opportunity and perseverance. “Indian River State College does a lot of good, and everyone should know about it,” Bench told supporters.  

Golfers stand on a sunny Florida golf course fairway surrounded by palm trees beneath a partly cloudy blue sky. A helicopter flies overhead in the background. A tournament sign is visible near the tree line.
Helicopter Ball Drop

Golf Tournament and Helicopter Ball Drop 

Next, the celebration continued at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City. Alumni and supporters filled the course for the tournament. 

Later that day, the helicopter ball drop closed the event. Hundreds of numbered golf balls dropped onto the driving range. Participants competed for $20,000 in prizes. The closest ball earned $10,000. The next ten each won $1,000. 

Private donors funded all prizes. Therefore, every dollar raised supports The River’s Athletics program. 

A Celebration of Baseball Legacy 

Meanwhile, the event doubled as a homecoming for the college’s baseball alumni. Former Indian River State College softball coach Dale Atkinson spearheaded and supported the celebration. Atkinson coached The River’s softball team for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2025.  

In addition, Frank Russo attended the event. He is a three-time MLB draftee, Indian River State College Hall of Famer, and college supporter.  

Five men smile and pose together on a golf course fairway during the Indian River State College Athletics Golf Tournament. The man in the center wears a gray flat cap and purple pullover and gestures broadly with both hands. The others are dressed in golf attire in shades of blue. Pine trees and a green flag are visible in the background.
Johnny Bench (center), Dale Atkinson (second from right), with Indian River State College Athletics Supporters 

Also, Rusty Meacham returned to support his alma mater. The Detroit Tigers drafted him out of Indian River State College in 1987. He later pitched eight seasons in Major League Baseball. 

Voices from the College & Community 

“Special thanks to Mr. Bench, Coach Dale Atkinson, Indian River State College Foundation, and to all of the event’s supporters,” said Scott Kimmelman, Athletic Director at Indian River State College. “It helps us compete at a high level. It also helps our student-athletes succeed in the classroom.” 

“This event reflects the strength of both our college and our community,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “When people invest in students, they invest in the future. Our student-athletes leave ready to lead.” 

“Bringing our alumni and community back together like this reminds you what makes Indian River State College special,” said Coach Dale Atkinson. “It’s not just about the games we played—it’s about the opportunities we create for the next generation. Seeing everyone rally behind our student-athletes and invest in their future is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s something that will have a lasting impact on this program.” 

“The Foundation creates opportunities that change lives,” said Indian River State College Foundation Executive Director Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE. “This event shows what happens when a community comes together for students.” 

Three smiling men pose with their arms around each other outdoors at the Indian River State College Athletics Golf Tournament. The man on the left wears a black shirt and an Indian River State College yellow cap. The man in the center wears a colorful patterned shirt. The man on the right wears a yellow Emory Baseball polo and an IRSC blue cap.
Timothy E. Moore, Frank Russo, and Andre Lambros 

Thank You to Our Sponsors 

Finally, the River’s Athletic Department and Foundation thank Bobby Tucker and Agriculture Air Services. They also recognize the following generous sponsors: Morgan Stanley, Steve Swan, Landmark Investments and Real Estate, Nomad Dumpsters, Farm Bureau Insurance of Stuart, WickWire Re/Max of Stuart, Fraser Creek Brewing and Distilling Company, Southern Eagle Distributors, and Hammock Creek Golf Club. 

Click here for information about the Indian River State College Athletic Program.

Click here for information about the Indian River State College Foundation.