Iselin, N.J. – November 04, 2026 -- The Lightbridge Foundation, the philanthropic arm of child care franchisor Lightbridge Academy, raised $30,000 at its second annual golf outing in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Franchise owners host 56-golfer event in Port St. Lucie
Al Ferrari, franchise owner of Lightbridge Academy of Port St. Lucie, and Mark Mathias, a multi-unit franchise owner in Valhalla and Scarsdale, New York, hosted the outing. It drew 56 golfers. Proceeds came from event sponsorships, golfer participation and on-site fundraising.
The money will fund the Foundation's assistance to children, families, educators and franchise owners during times of need.
Foundation has raised more than $1.9 million since 2001
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Fundraising across Lightbridge Academy centers involves parents, children and educators.
Executive Director Audrey Feci said the funds will advance the Foundation's work and support the people who make up the Lightbridge Academy network.
Lightbridge Academy network spans 20 states and 200-plus centers
Lightbridge Academy has more than 200 child care centers open or in development across Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The centers serve children from six weeks through Kindergarten.
In 2026, the brand ranked #129 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and #248 on the Franchise Times Top 400. It also appeared on the Financial Times' Americas' Fastest Growing Companies list and won Franchise Business Review's Franchisee Satisfaction Award.
Lightbridge Academy plans a third annual golf outing in Florida in fall 2027. Details have not been announced.