Cape Region charities and golf go well together
April 16, 1999
Golf can be deductible.
This week seemed like a good time to point that out.
In May, several charity golf tournaments are scheduled at the Cape Region clubs. Leading beneficiaries include disabled children, cancer research, and help with family needs.
Successful charity tournaments require much effort, good sponsors, and many dedicated volunteers. There are also some common fundraising methods that work well. Here’s how these methods are applied in two popular tournaments.
T. Rowland Marshall is a retired river pilot. He’s also on the board of The Children’s Beach House, which operates a fabulous program for children with special needs. Marshall is running his eighth annual golf tournament fund-raiser for the Beach House, scheduled for May 12 at Shawnee Country Club. Last year his tournament netted over $8,800.
This year’s major sponsor, Wilmington Trust Company, is contributing $2,000. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter is also contributing $1,000. The golfers themselves pay $75 for 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, dinner, and prizes. For an additional $16.50, the golfers can bring a guest to the dinner.
Wilmington Trust, other sponsors, and The Beach House donate prizes such as golf balls, sweatshirts, and other memorabilia for the three best gross and net scores for the men and women.
Marshall also raises cash in other creative ways. Each hole can have a sponsor, who receives a sign at the hole for a $200 contribution. The golfers can also chip in an additional $40 per foursome to compete under a separate net handicap format. Most players take that opportunity. Mulligans are for sale at $5, and Marshall does a brisk business.
The Sussex Family YMCA Tournament uses some different approaches that also work well. Last year’s tournament netted over $10,000 for child-care support and membership grants to needy families, according to the Y’s executive director, Val Siktar.
Rehoboth Elementary teacher Gail Mack and Lewes attorney Bill Schab are the lead volunteers for this year’s event, May 3 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club. The tournament uses a scramble format, which helps the lesser-skilled golfers have more fun. Players contribute $110 each to play, and multiple hole sponsorships are still available. As with Marshall’s event, mulligans are for sale.
The club donates the use of the course for the limited field of 120 players, and Siktar is extremely grateful. County Bank is the lead sponsor, with a $2000 contribution. Morgan Stanley Dean Witter is also contributing $1000 toward the barbecue dinner costs. Guests of the players are charged $25 for the dinner to help offset costs and raise some additional money.
Many other organizations also donate gift certificates, door prizes, golf balls, key chains, and other goodies. Hole sponsors have a sign posted at their holes, and all contributors are rewarded with a post-event thank-you ad in the local papers. Their donations also include several items for the popular auction that brings the event to a pleasant and profitable conclusion.
For the Beach House tournament, call 302-645-9184. For the Y tournament, call 302-227-8018.
Short putts
The Cape golf team lost again to Caesar Rodney April 13, but the 162-169 score was closer than their first defeat. Dan Prettyman and Mark Johnson both shot 40. Adam Talley finished with a 44, and the Marr twins both shot 45, followed by Bob Croce’s 46.
The Riders’ Dean Leaf was medallist with a 38 to lead his team to victory. The 3-2 Vikings next play Lake Forest April 14, and host Sussex Central April 15.