Tournament raises more than $700,000 for scholarships, athletic programs
As the College of Southern Maryland Foundation's Golf Classic enters its 25th year, the CSM Foundation and the event's Grand Tournament Sponsor, Marrick Homes, have much to celebrate, including a long history of partnerships that have impacted hundreds of students.
Over its lifetime, this signature event has brought together golf enthusiasts, college alumni, community leaders and the business community to raise more than $700,000 for scholarships for CSM credit and non-credit students as well as for CSM athletic programs
This year's event will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club in Issue, which has hosted every classic since the tournament began. Sponsors and golfers are invited to join the foundation and Marrick Homes as they continue their efforts to support these vital scholarships and athletic programs.
2016 also marks the 15th year Marrick Homes has been the lead sponsor of the Golf Classic. Marrick Homes has pledged to be a Grand Tournament Sponsor for the next four years. “Marrick is proud to be a supporter of the CSM golf tournament for the 15th consecutive year,” said Rick Bailey Jr., Marrick Homes vice president. “We make the commitment to CSM because of the great educational service CSM provides to Southern Maryland.”
This year, tournament organizers are excited that state Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton of the college's Class of 1966 will be the honorary guest. Middleton will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the college during the homecoming-themed golf tournament.
“The education I received at the college has provided me, as well as countless others, with a lifetime of opportunities,” the senator said.
“From a statewide perspective, I see the college as one of the best entities of the Maryland community college system,” Middleton said. “CSM means so much to the community. This golf tournament is a way to bring the citizens and business community together in a fun way to show support for an institution that is a source of pride for the entire Southern Maryland region.”
Other CSM alumni and former athletes from the college are expected to attend as well.
Check-in and continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 18, with a shotgun start for golfers at 9 a.m. The tournament will use the captain's choice format. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the course. A dinner and silent auction will begin at 3 p.m. There will be closest-to-the-pin and longest drive contests for men and women.
Those who want to join in the festivities but would prefer not to golf in the tournament may wish to try out the Sip and Swing for an IMPACT. Participants looking to improve or familiarize themselves with the game of golf can enjoy a relaxed day of golf instruction paired with a wine tasting. Check-in will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by a wine and food tasting at 11:30 a.m. At 1 p.m., there will be interactive clinics that feature putting, chipping and full-swing techniques. Sip and Swing participants will join the other golfers for dinner and a silent auction later in the day.
“Sponsors and golfers are needed to help make an impact in the community and in the lives of CSM's students. Supporting the golf tournament is a great way to show your support for CSM and the Southern Maryland region,” said Nancy Hempstead, CSM Foundation golf committee chair.
“Your participation provides opportunities that transforms our community and impacts our students and families. We strive to increase the financial stability, prosperity and cultural welfare of our community. Our goal this year is to raise $60,000 with the ultimate goal to help every resident of Southern Maryland who wishes to attend CSM the ability to do so,” Hempstead said.
Sponsors will gain exposure for their businesses at the tournament where more than 200 golfers, community leaders, volunteers and students will be present. Also, sponsors? company names will be displayed on print materials, electronic and social media campaigns.
There are several levels of sponsorships available. With top-tier sponsorships, companies will have scholarships created in their names. There also is an Alumni Row, where former CSM graduates may purchase signs with their names and their year of graduation on them. The signs are displayed at the tournament. Proceeds from Alumni Row will benefit the CSM Alumni Scholarship.
Visit http://foundation.csmd.edu/news-events/golf-classic for sponsor, golfer, Alumni Row and Sip and Swing registrations. Sponsorships and golfer registration deadline is Aug. 5. The Sip and Swing early bird cost will be $75 per person, or $100 per person after July 31.
For more information, contact Erika Abell in the CSM Development Department at 301-934-7647 or Erika.Abell@csmd.edu .
The CSM Foundation manages more than 100 scholarships that provide assistance for merit and for students in need. Scholarship categories include nursing, business, child care, criminal justice, communications, fine arts, engineering hospitality, social science, teacher education, nuclear engineering technology and general studies. In addition, students can apply for scholarships geared toward cancer survivors, adults returning to college and veterans as well as for non-credit trades and continuing education programs. Information on the CSM Foundation can be found at http://www.csmd.edu/Foundation/.