Over Twenty years of Golfing for Rockway
Chip in Fore Rockway Students!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 22 years since I first contacted David Leis about having a golf tournament as a fundraiser. I was on the Rockway Finance Committee at the time and David was the Development Director.
David was always open to new ideas to help out Rockway. He did question me, however, that this would be a different kind of tournament. I suggested that the golfers would get sponsors instead of paying a fee, receive a nice prize and a banquet at the end of the day, and we could also raise some money for Rockway.
The idea was to get business people that were friends of Rockway to gather sponsorship money from their business contacts. This would hopefully garner money from people and businesses that wouldn’t normally give to Rockway, rather than keep tapping on the same shoulders.
To be eligible to golf you had to raise a minimum of $1,000 but were encouraged to raise more. The golfers were sponsored according to the number of holes they golfed for the day, or a lump sum. I can’t remember how many golfers we had that first year, but I know the day was worthwhile.
Many years have passed since that first day of golf on a 9-hole course to what is offered today. The concept is still the same: each golfer finds their own sponsors to be eligible. The minimum sponsorship has been lowered to $500 to enable more folks to participate, and, as an incentive, each golfer receives a special gift for every $500 dollars they raise.
In addition, we receive a nice lunch prior to our day on the links, followed by an 18-hole Scramble, riding the course in carts, topped off with a nice steak dinner at the end. I have to say a hearty thanks to Alumnus, Ron Schiedel, Willow Valley Golf Course and the rest of the Schiedel family for hosting our group for the day!!!
I also want to thank each and every golfer that has golfed this tournament over the years and for making it a great success. I hope you continue to support Rockway and also pass the word onto your friends.
I ask you to “Chip In Fore Rockway Students” and continue the tradition of helping students have a Rockway education – tournament proceeds support tuition assistance.
Fore!
Larry Shantz
Rockway Class of ’72
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