I took up the game of golf when I was 17 or so. I remember hitting my dad’s old wooden woods. That was quite an experience. My dad took my brothers and I to a small shop out near Newark, OH and we got our first set of clubs. I loved those clubs. I think my brothers still play the same clubs! Golfing was one of my favorite hobbies in college, my buddies and I would grab an 18 pack and stuff them in our bags and call it an afternoon – all you can play for $20 with a cart goes a long way in college!
I’ve always been a high revving engine kind of guy. Over the years, I’ve found golf to be one of the few activities that helps me “quite the noise”. I love to get lost in the moment of golfing – everything shuts off. It’s a beautiful place for me to find that inner peace and distraction from everything that fills my mind.
I’ve always enjoyed competing and playing in scrambles, outings and tournaments with my uncles and friends, so being the self-starter I am, it was only natural to create my own event. Back in 2010, my mom had just beat breast cancer and I asked her to choose a charitable cause and told her we would raise some money through this event, the Erney Tourney.
After a few years of raising funds for Childrens Hospital and for a few family members or friends in need, I met a wonderful woman named Ellie Hite, who runs an organization called AngelWorks. AngelWorks provides resources for children with pediatric cancer and their families.
This year has been a year of unprecedented need for families of children with cancer. When the unthinkable happens and these children do not make it through their ordeal, AngelWorks helps pay for the funerals. The funds we are raising this year help pay for these funerals.
I am proud to do my small part and I am thrilled to announce that through the support of our sponsors and donors, we are donating $30k to AngelWorks this year! Our event is just 3 days away, and I look forward to a day filled with fun, golf and activities while supporting this amazing organization.
For those who are just learning of our event, I encourage you to bring a team next year, spread the word and hope to see you in the very near future. If you are looking for something special, consider volunteering or donating to this amazing organization. It’s changed my life being a part of their mission, and I hope my small role will continue to make a big impact in the lives of these children and their families.
Cheers,
Matt
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