Don Kreiss honored at annual Friars Club gathering

The Longboat Key Club Friars made an entrance that was anything but subtle as they exuberantly stormed the club ballroom, brandishing jewel-encrusted bottles of bubbly, wearing heavyweight champion belts, waving flags with their crest and singing along to Queen's "We are the Champions" on March 25.

They did, however, change the lyric to "We are the Friars."

Members of the golf-based social group — formed in 1993 — resoundingly agreed that their signature brand of camaraderie and friendly competition is what has helped it remain successful.

They reflected on the past year of memory-making while enjoying an end-of-season dinner and award ceremony, with more than 175 people attending.

Commissioner Charles Eldridge commended organizers, especially Elaine Dabney and Carl Arentzen, for transforming the ballroom into the perfect jewel-themed extravaganza, complete with a curtained wall that delivered party-goers a piece of costume jewelry or glass of wine upon the ring of a bell.

After enjoying some socializing before many members depart the Key for the season, they got down to the business of honoring the peers who put in the hard work to keep the group running by coordinating matches and doing so much more.

They also reflected on the good a group like the Friars can do when community members go through difficult times.

Last year's hurricanes left club staff members in a lurch. The Friars responded to the muster call, raising $15,000 in just 10 days to support those affected by the storm damage.

Jeff Lenobel told members, "The Friars have always been about more than just golf. We believe in generosity, friendship, and, when necessary, helping with recovery from a triple bogey."

New and longstanding members agreed that the close, quickly formed bonds are what really set this club apart.

Perhaps the most robustly applauded moment of the evening was when members Jeff Lenobel and Steve Mason presented Don Kreiss with the Friars Inspirational Man of the Year Award.

The plaque recognized Kreiss for his "unwavering friendship, devotion and the inspiring spirit that embodies the very essence of the Friars."

Kreiss said receiving the compliment from his peers meant everything as he navigates personal challenges.

"Being part of this club is what keeps me going, and I appreciate it so much," he said. "It's a wonderful, very special group."

Fellow awardees included Bill Calpin and Tom Murphy, who received the Frank Sulzman Golf Genius Award.

"These guys work so hard every single day," Eldridge said.

Frank Sulzman received the Bill Flinter Award, dedicated to the namesake member's memory.

Eldridge said the award is "bestowed upon a distinguished friar whose unwavering dedication and meaningful contributions have significantly enriched and extended the cherished tradition of the friars."