Participants Thanked for Helping College Be ‘An Extraordinary Place to Learn’
The community turned out in force for the College of Southern Maryland Foundation’s 27th Annual Golf Classic in August at the Swan Point Yacht and Country Club. More than 150 golfers played in the annual event that raised more than $76,000 for CSM student scholarships and CSM Athletics programs this year.
“This signature fundraising event is one that we all look forward to each year,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy, as she welcomed tournament participants. “Thanks for all you do to raise funds for our student scholarships, our college athletic programs and the above-and-beyond programs, facilities and technology that help make CSM an outstanding college and an extraordinary place to learn for all ages.”
While golfers enjoyed a day on the links, others participated in “Sip & Swing for an Impact,” an option during the tournament and now in its fourth year, which included a series of golf clinics and an elegant wine and food pairing lunch. The day culminated in a dinner for all and the announcement of raffle and tournament winners.
The event was organized for the second consecutive year by tournament chair CSM Foundation Director Gary Simpson, who headed up a committee that including fellow foundation directors Linda Cox, Jay Lilly and Birdie Shannon and a group of dedicated CSM staff members.
“It takes a lot of hard work and coordination from many people throughout the 27 years to be able to sustain a successful golf tournament,” Simpson said. “More importantly the many sponsors we have year after year have been so generous, not to mention the participants. The golf committee along with the CSM Foundation should be commended because collectively we know this money raised goes toward making the dreams of students a reality and that is the CSM Foundation’s goal. I’m pretty much born and raised in Charles County and my parents Senator Jim and Barbara Simpson have instilled in me to give back to the community where you live and work. That’s exactly what I’ve tried to do with any organization I’ve been a part of.”
During the event’s afternoon ceremony, CSM soccer player Zachary McDonough addressed Golf Classic participants about the impact scholarships have made to him in his college career. McDonough is a recipient of a Marrick Homes CSM Foundation Golf Classic Athletic Scholarship.
Murphy also particularly thanked Marrick Homes for its long-term commitment to the Golf Classic and the college. “The CSM Foundation would like to recognize Marrick Homes for making an impact on our students and programs — supporting the trades, nursing, technology, the St. Charles Children’s Learning Center, the Arts, and Athletics, and for being the Grand Tournament Sponsor,” Murphy said. “We are grateful for their support over the last 17 years — they joined us as partners on the golf classic in 2001 and they have pledged their support at least through 2019.”
In addition to McDonough, other CSM athletes and scholarship recipients helped staff the tournament, also telling their stories about the value of financial assistance as they pursue their education.
For the ninth consecutive year at the Golf Classic, first-place honors in the tournament went to the team from McDonald & Eudy Printers Inc. Second place went to the team from Community Bank of the Chesapeake. Third place was awarded to the team from Raley, Watts, and O’Neill Insurance and Financial Services.
Closest to the Pin honors went to Josh Cockerham and Rosemary Hershey. Longest Drive was won by Alex O’Neill and Lacey Pierce. Straightest Drive went to Chris Simpson and Linda Aanestad. Longest Putt was won by Mark Macdougall and Rosemary Hershey.
Numerous businesses and other donors assisted with the CSM Foundation’s 27th Annual Golf Classic. “As a community we are making an impact in the lives of these students and their families and I personally want to thank you,” Murphy said to the event sponsors, students and volunteers.
The Grand Tournament sponsor was Marrick Homes. Executive Sponsor was Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate. Corporate sponsors include Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Rotary Club of Charles County (La Plata), Outdoor Creations Landscape Services Inc. and Washington Gas, A WGL Company.
Mulligan sponsors were Community Bank of the Chesapeake, McDonald and Eudy Printers Inc., Quality Built Homes Inc. and Specialized Patterns in Training. Community Partner sponsors were Bay Capital Mortgage Corp.; Buddy Sprague, in honor of the Jack Love Sprague Scholarship; Chick-fil-A of La Plata; Nancy Hempstead, Occasions Boutique; Simpson’s Olde Towne Insurance; Sky Zone of Waldorf; SMECO; Southernwood Roofing and Siding LLC; and UPS Freight.
Sip & Swing sponsors were the Southern Maryland Women’s League and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.
Food and Beverage sponsors included Bill Dotson, Bozick Distributors Inc., Chick-fil-A of La Plata, Clubtails, Joe Wustner, RE/MAX One, Ollie’s Beauty Salon, Rita’s of La Plata and SONIC of La Plata.
Contest sponsors were Buddy Sprague, in honor of the Jack Love Sprague Scholarship; Community Bank of the Chesapeake; Educational Systems Federal Credit Union; Former CSM Coach Danny Williams and Vickie Williams – Century 21 Real Estate; Marrick Homes; Raley, Watts, and O’Neill Insurance and Financial Services; Sagepoint Senior Living Services; the Sine Family; Sharp’s Contracting LLC; and Waldorf Toyota.
In-kind donations were provided by The Carousel, Comcast, G.S. Proctor & Associates Inc., Ledo’s Pizza of La Plata, Occasions Boutique, Simpson’s Olde Towne Insurance and Sky Zone of Waldorf.
Photos from this year’s tournament are available at https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/2018golfclassic.
Next year’s CSM Golf Classic is scheduled to take place Aug. 8, 2019. For information about the CSM Foundation and other upcoming events, visit https://foundation.csmd.edu/.