BARBARA TAYLOR
Blog: November-December 2012
‘Tis The Season For Golf Tournament Fundraisers
In August 2012 The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Theta Alpha Omega Chapter and its affiliate The Pearl Foundation of Long Beach, California held its 2nd annual Golf tournament scholarship fundraiser, at the beautiful Navy Destroyer 18 hole championship course where Tiger Woods learned to play, located in Cypress, California.
The organizers of this successful golf classic event are tri-chairs; Pat McAlpine, Barbara Gilmore, and Rhonda Dowdy.
This is the first year I’ve attended/ participated in this particular golf fundraiser, and I can say that from my view point “all aspects of this golf tournament planning process were well executed, and I “Barbara Taylor, applaud the organizers for a job well done.
I left feeling humbled and touched by the number of people, golfers and non-golfers, that are drawn to support this fundraiser event… and like so many that attended that day left wanting to contribute in some form or another. I personally am eagerly waiting and extremely anxious to participate (as a golfer) in next years tournament.
I guess by now you have concluded that my participation in this event was not playing a round of golf, so let me set the record straight, right now, that your conclusion is absolutely correct. My attendance and participation was to financially support the event, and my promise to write a blog on the tournament for the African American Golfers Digest, New York….So here it goes !!!!
Approximately 90 people paid to golf that day and I can say with pride, that this figure includes eleven (11) members of my golf club The Tee Divas/Tee Dudes of Los Angeles, who came “fired-up” to support the AKA’s fundraiser, to play golf and to stay true to their motto…”To Look Good -To Play Well – To Have Fun”. I must say, they had plenty of fun on and off the course!!.
This figure also includes four (4) Kids from The First Tee Jr. golfers of South Los Angeles, who were financially sponsored by 6 generous AKA members, from the AKA’s Theta Alpha Omega, Chapter. These 4 amazing Jr. golfers are: Jay Jay Stanberry, Gabriel Cruz, Casey Torres, Shani Waite, and finished 2nd (according to stats provided) in the competition with a score of 63. In addition, there were also Three (3) other amazing Jr. golfers: Clyde Weaver, Brice Morrison, Lance Applewhite from the Long Beach California Milliken High School Golf Team.
The Los Angeles City Fire Fighters? Yeap !!! eight (8) courageous fire fighters showed up to participate, in support of this tournament, they left their fire hoses’ at the station and came with golf clubs in hand, ready to play, and finishing 1st in the competition with a score of 59. Even though I was impressed with the fire fighters golf score, I was most impressed with the motivational speech that they delivered to The First Tee’s, on “The importance of staying in school” they also presented the First Tee’s with trophies, and autographed T shirts.
All golfers and non-golfers stayed on to enjoy a sumptuous buffet Dinner , including amazing desserts, so proud of myself for not going back for seconds, presentation of tournament prizes, scholarship and community awards, opportunity drawing prizes, DJ and dancing. The event raised more than $10,000 for scholarships that will provide assistance to deserving young students who do not have the financial means to attend college without help, and to support the organizations community projects.
I spoke with one of the chairpersons (Rhonda Dowdy) and asked her to provide me, with a summary on how the organizers perceived the outcome and success this Golf tournament, and these are her words:
“The tournament was a success for the last 2 years, because of the cause it represents…it’s all about children. Also, the tournament is played on a great 18 hole course, Navy Destroyer golf course, it is well organized, the food is good and the tournament fee is priced attractively. Our prizes are great and trophies are beautiful. Most importantly, we have a great time raising funds for the children”.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this event….so that I can share this day with all of my blog followers, a day that was fun and purposeful.
Until next time,
Barbara Taylor
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ABOUT BARBARA TAYLOR
In April 2011, after taking a six-year hiatus from golf lessons, Taylor decided to return to the world of Golf. When she first took lessons, she found that the transition from playing a “B” level of tennis to learning to play golf was boring, and slow as hell, and as perilous as going over Niagara Falls without a barrel. So, she made a decision (that she thought was wise at the time) to give it up! Taylor’s returned to the game came with a whole new prospective, purpose, respect, and attitude…. And, yes maturity.
Unlike when she was playing tennis, Taylor had no desire to get caught-up in the competitive frenzy. She is into golf for the shear love of the fun, travel and social interactions that she has found so delightful in the golf environment and game. However, she does want to be taken seriously.
Taylor is currently being coached by the legendary Alton Duhon, at the renown Chester Washington Golf Course, in Los Angeles. The course is also the California Golf Home of Dr. Charles Sifford.
