Baltimore, MD — [Thursday, July, 9, 2026] — Trailblazers in business, golf, and community leadership are coming together for a powerful cause at the inaugural Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event, hosted by Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew and featuring celebrity guest Maulana Dotch, a PGA professional and the first Black woman to serve as General Manager of a golf course in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Pettigrew, the first Black woman to purchase an entire city block on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, welcomes Dotch for this landmark event that brings together two women who have each broken barriers in traditionally exclusionary spaces. Together, they are building a new legacy of access, opportunity, and narrative ownership through sport, storytelling, and service.
The Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event will benefit Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching, training, and producing opportunities in the media space for marginalized and underserved learners of all ages.
“For generations, stories about our communities have been told without us,” said Dr. Pettigrew. “This event is about more than golf—it’s about reclaiming our voices, investing in education, and building pathways for future creators, leaders, and innovators.”
Over the past several years, Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute, Inc. has expanded its scope to deliver targeted, impact-driven programming designed to meet learners where they are— regardless of age, education level, or economic status. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and creative development, the organization has reached thousands of students across Baltimore City, the state of Maryland and beyond, empowering them to craft, create, and control the narratives that will shape future generations.
Root Branch’s mission is clearly reflected in the voices of the young people the organization serves. As summer high school intern Amyrah LaPade shared, “Driving the Narrative gives youth a voice and allows them to write their own stories.” These words underscore the organization’s commitment to ensuring that young people are empowered to shape how their stories are told.
“I am truly excited to attend and support Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew and this special event. Golf has been such an important part of my life, so I love seeing another woman discover the game and become excited about everything it has to offer. Dr. Pettigrew and I come from different industries, but we both understand the importance of leadership, creating opportunities, and opening doors for others. I am looking forward to joining her on the golf course, celebrating her birthday, supporting what she has built and continues to build, and being part of what I know will be an incredible event.”
“On behalf of everyone at Hunt Valley Country Club, we’re excited to welcome PGA Professional Maulana Dotch. It’s a privilege to support our club member, Dr. Vonnya, in putting together such a meaningful event, and we’re proud to host everyone at our club,” says Ian Shamosh, General Manager at Hunt Valley Country Club.
The Driving the Narrative Charity Golf Event will convene community leaders, corporate partners, athletes, creatives, and advocates for an inspiring day of golf, meaningful connections, and shared purpose—all dedicated to expanding opportunity, advancing education, and amplifying stories that shape communities and drive lasting change.
Event Details:
Location: Hunt Valley Country Club (14101 PHOENIX RD. PHOENIX, MD 21131)
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 7 AM – 3 PM
For sponsorship opportunities, registration, or media inquiries, please contact: Christine McCrae [email protected] (410) 637-3530.
