Signature Event Helps Students Achieve Their Dreams
A full field of golfers is expected to converge on Swan Point Country Club in Issue, on Thursday, Aug. 9, for the College of Southern Maryland Foundation’s 27th annual Golf Classic. Proceeds of this annual signature event supports the foundation’s efforts to support students, athletic programs and scholarships for those who may not otherwise be able to afford higher education.
This year’s tournament will pay special tribute to the college’s former President Emeritus Dr. John Sine who died last July. In his memory, the Sine family created the Dr. John M. Sine Endowed Scholarship, which will be featured at this event. Additionally the classic will be part of the year’s celebrations of the college’s 60th anniversary recognizing the college as a strong force in the region for increasing financial stability and prosperity of Southern Maryland’s residents.
The Golf Classic raises funds for scholarships and programs through the CSM Foundation, and over the years, the event has raised more than $1,000,000. Spring 2018 graduate Max Bode can attest to the importance of those scholarships, as he was among the recipients who benefited from the 2017 Marrick Homes CSM Foundation Golf Classic Athletic Scholarship.
“When you realize the actual cost of college, any help at all to prevent debt is important,” Bode said. “It really helps going into my future plans.” Bode will continue his education at Shepherd University in West Virginia. The 2016 Lackey High School graduate and Nanjemoy resident graduated with his associate’s degree and plans to go into Sports Management for his career. The student athlete played on the CSM Hawks soccer team in 2016 and 2017.
For the 17th year in a row, the Grand Tournament Sponsor for the event is Marrick Homes. CSM Foundation Director Gary Simpson is the chair for his second year, after last year raising $89,515.
Simpson said the college’s partners in the community are the driving force behind the success of the annual golf event, and the CSM Foundation itself.
“The Golf Classic is one of those signature traditions in Southern Maryland that continues through the years because of the generosity of so many partners,” Simpson said. “These partners are individuals, organizations and businesses — people who realize that the funds generated through this tournament are going to support a great cause, our students and their education.”
For the third year, the popular Sig & Swing will occur simultaneously with the Golf Classic, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to first-time golfers or experienced players to enjoy interactive clinics featuring putting, chipping and full-swing techniques followed by a food and wine tasting. “This year is the 60th Anniversary of the college and our goal is to celebrate alumni throughout this Golf Classic,” said CSM Foundation Director Brenda Lowe, who serves as a past president, director and executive officer with Southern Maryland Women’s League, the sponsor of this year’s Sip & Swing.
“By sponsoring and attending the Sip & Swing, we have the opportunity to socialize with others, be a part of helping to provide golfing technique lessons, while being a part of the 60th anniversary celebration events – especially for those whose time is limited or feel uncomfortable with a golf club in-hand,” Lowe said. “I have been to several of the Sip and Swing events, and they are tons of fun, have good food and lots of laughs.”
CSM alumni are invited to participate in Alumni Row and sponsor a 60th anniversary sign featuring their name, graduation year, or their business name. Proceeds will benefit the CSM Alumni scholarship.
Sponsorships are still available, and include opportunities for exposure in marketing materials and social media campaigns. The deadline for sponsorship is July 27. For information, contact Erika Abell in the CSM Development Department at 301-934-7647 or csmfoundation@csmd.edu.
In addition to Marrick Homes, other sponsors include Executive Sponsor Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate; Corporate Sponsors Rotary Club of Charles County (La Plata), Outdoor Creations Landscape Services Inc. and Washington Gas A WGL Company; Mulligan Sponsors Community Bank of the Chesapeake and McDonald and Eudy Printers, Inc.; Community Partners Chick-fil-A of La Plata, Nancy Hempstead of Occasions Boutique, Simpson’s Olde Towne Insurance, SMECO and Southerwood Roofing and Siding, LLC; Sip & Swing Sponsor Southern Maryland Women’s League; and Food and Beverage Sponsors Bozick Distributors, Inc. and Chick-fil-A of La Plata.
Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments are included with several contests, prizes and awards. Deadline to register is July 27.
Sip & Swing registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with clinics at 11 a.m., food and wine tasting at 12:30 p.m. and awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through Aug. 1.
For information, to sponsor or register, visit http://Foundation.csmd.edu/golfclassic.