CRO Announces Marathon Golf Results
MARATHON GOLF RAISES MONEY FOR THE CHILDREN
On a beautiful, sunny day (May 5th) golf teams from The Vineyards, Valley, Glassy , and Falls gathered to raise money for the children in our upstate elementary schools. This was the Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) annual Marathon Golf tournament, which raised over $70,000 to help needy children and their families in schools just outside the gates of the Cliffs communities. CRO now serves five upstate elementary schools; Tigerville , Heritage, Slater-Marietta, Holly Springs, and Tamassee-Salem Elementary. The funds raised through this tournament will allow us to continue existing programs (Snacks & Packs, Ceil’s Books for Kids, etc.) and to add new programs in the future for our schools, (additional Tutoring/Mentoring programs, increased exposure to cultural events, etc.) most of which have a poverty level above 90%. The downturn in the economy has been devastating for everyone, but especially for the families we serve, who were already struggling. Working through the principals and counselors in our schools, we are able to identify children (and their families) who have obstacles in their lives that make each day a struggle. These obstacles are hunger, lack of adequate housing, lack of medical and dental care and expenses, lack of adequate clothing and shoes, lack of money to pay for utilities, and the list goes on and on.
Thanks to all who participated in this year’s Marathon Golf! There were an estimated 2100 holes played on two courses and the word of the day was FUN!! CRO hosted three Cocktail parties prior to golf day, which featured speakers from each of our schools, as well as details of how Marathon Golf works. Teams were formed, and sponsors for each team player were solicited prior to the day of the Marathon. Each team could have as many players as they wanted, but only two golfers from each team were on the course at any time. The teams were challenged to play 100 holes between the members, but we had several teams who played more. We also had a couple of teams who played the 100 holes between two people. A team was formed at The Vineyards called “The Wannabees”, who were all ladies that are non-golfers, but played anyway! We heard you could hear their laughter for miles!!
We wish to express our gratitude to our GOLD EVENT sponsors: The Cliffs Communities, Bill & Martha Canata, and Fairview Builders; our Silver EVENTsponsors: Justin Winter & Associates, Realtors, LuAnn, Emily and John Loeber, N & H Enterprises, Rich & Patti Payne, & Suntrust Bank; our BRONZE EVENT sponsors: Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Fusion Systems, LLC., Hal & Sandy Henderson, and Wright Design, LLC. We also had two SILVER TEAM sponsors: Mike & Judy Harhai & Jim & Darlene Keelor. Their contributions made Marathon Golf an event to remember.
We also want to thank all of the team sponsors and residents who gave so generously so that we can continue to help the wonderful children in our schools. With your help, the small differences we can make in their lives now will impact their decisions later in life that will break the cycle of poverty for the next generation.
