The Fourth Annual Baldwin County Education Coalition Golf Classic, held Thursday, September 8 at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope, raised approximately $28,000 to benefit public education in Baldwin County. Presented by Baldwin County Sewer Service, the annual tournament is the Coalition’s sole fundraiser.
The sellout tournament hosted 36 teams and 144 golfers, with the Identity Signs team taking home first place. On the winning team were Joseph Murray, William Stewart, Jerry Burkhart and Patrick Welk. In second place was the Howard-Festa team, including players Stewart Howard, Tim Hayden, Dallas Jones and Jonathon Festa. The Vellano team, comprised of teammates Jeff Wilkins, Matt Bachuer, Dennis Turnispeed and Stephen Kichler, came in third. Austal’s team took home fourth place thanks to players Craig Savage, Keith Randle, Clint Riley and Mark Gartman. In addition, Howard Clotfelter, Ward International Trucks, won Closest to the Pin and Kim Shugart of SS Nesbitt had the Longest Drive.
Participants enjoyed complimentary barbecue lunch sponsored by JH Wright and Trustmark Bank, as well as a post- tournament dinner sponsored by Bill Patterson Construction.
Proceeds from the annual Golf Classic have helped strengthen the county’s Partners-in-Education Program, with over 600 organizations providing volunteers, financial support, and in-kind services to local schools. The Coalition’s core business is to mobilize resources and support Baldwin County Schools. Their work is accomplished through a variety of programs and services that inform, engage and connect citizens to our public schools. Since there has never been a greater need for strengthening the civic capacity of our public schools, this fundraiser is crucial to support the work of the Coalition.
“On behalf of the Baldwin County Education Coalition, I would like to thank all of our corporate sponsors, but especially Baldwin County Sewer Service for their amazing support of our organization,” said Baldwin County Education Coalition Vice Chairman Tommy Faust. “The partnership we enjoy includes the Baldwin County Board of Education, businesses, and individuals throughout our wonderful county. We believe this collective partnership is an integral part of ensuring every child in our community will continue to receive an education that prepares them for the future.”
“In support of the school system, the annual Baldwin County Education Coalition Golf Classic brings together the business community with school leaders to ensure that education in Baldwin County remains cutting-edge and responsive to the ever-evolving demands of the 21st century economy,” said Gerry McManus, CFO, Baldwin County Sewer Service. “The business community recognizes the importance of a close working relationship with education, and they always come out in strong support of the tournament each year.”
The Baldwin County Sewer Service and the Baldwin County Education Coalition would like to thank all of the corporate and team sponsors who made the tournament possible.
View an album of event photos via this link.
