ANDOVER, MA. – PGA REACH New England and the New England PGA Section hosted the Fourth Annual Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser on Aug. 12th at Andover Country Club. NEPGA Professionals raised over $215,000 for three amazing charities: PGA REACH New England, Special Olympics Massachusetts, and the Child Life Services Department of Boston Children’s Hospital.
Forty-nine players, in combinations of twosomes, threesomes, and foursomes, set out to play 54 holes of golf at Andover Country Club with the mission to make as many birdies as possible. In total, the B2B squad racked up 760 birdies in the scramble or individual stroke play format event.
Team NACC Nines, consisting of Matt Lombard, PGA (North Andover CC), Rob Neaton, and Nathan Myers, PGA (Ipswich CC) tallied the most birdies in the event, with a total of 53 birdies. Team NACC Nines also raised a total of $3,632.50.
Team Holy Ridge raised an impressive $43,225.00 for the three non-profit organizations with a total birdie count of 40. This team included Darren Falk, PGA, Jennifer O’Connor, PGA, and Joe O’Connor, PGA all from Holly Ridge GC.
Behind team Holly Ridge in donation dollars was Team New Seabury, raising $25,524.00. Team New Seabury, consisting of Frank Leja, PGA, and Jim Clay, PGA from The Club at New Seabury on Cape Cod, brought in the 2nd highest per birdie pledge, receiving $265 for all 45 birdies made.
Team Holly Ridge and Team New Seabury were both honored prior to the start of the round with $100K Club Plaques as both teams have surpassed a total of $100K in donations in their four years participating in the Birdies 2 Benefit Fundraiser.
Charlotte, a patient and member of the Child Life Services of Boston Children’s Hospital, was the star of the day with her lemonade stand on the 10th hole. She brought refreshing drinks, smiles, and laughs to everyone who made their turn, and even signed many autographs as well.
She was also gifted with a surprise ceremony tee-off to commence the birdies along with her new friend Nate from the Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Representatives from both Boston Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics Massachusetts were on site for the fourth annual event.
“The money you are raising is vital for the operation of the hospital,” said Mike Bornhorst, Vice President of Corporate Development at Boston Children’s Hospital. “The Child Life Therapy that you support is just as important as the clinical care of the kids that we’re receiving at Boston Children’s Hospital. We’re grateful to be a partner of [Birdies2Benefit] and we look forward to the day!”
Nate, an outstanding Special Olympics Massachusetts Athlete, joined PGA REACH New England for the day of fundraising and was able to get a few holes in throughout the day.
During the second round of the day, the 11th hole tee box was transformed into a Special Olympics theme with several athletes greeting the golfers with smiles and cheers as they made their shots.
“This is a great event I look forward to [Birdies2Benefit] every year,” said Christian McCormick, Director of Development at Special Olympics Massachusetts. “Thank you to all for the support!”
Nate’s energy brought amazing vibes to the Professionals, and when asked what he is most excited about, he replies “Being here, having fun, and let’s go Drive!”
In just four years, PGA REACH New England and the NEPGA have raised over $860,000 for the three non-profit organizations.
PGA REACH New England would like to thank Andover Country Club and the Cormier Family for once again hosting the Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser.
PGA REACH New England and the NEPGA proudly welcomed supporting partner of the Birdies 2 Benefit initiative, UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) for their second year as the Official Player Partner.
UKG sponsored an exciting new feature of the day, the Hole-In-One Challenge on the 9th hole during the third round of play.
For the 3rd round, the B2B team coordinated a challenge where the 9th hole became a par-3 and the mission was to make a hole in one 108 yards away with three pin cups on the green, the middle one having a 6-inch diameter.
Around the green were several staff, golfers, and the brand-new Kid Zone, filled with PGA Junior League players from across New England, watching each professional attempt their chance to make a hole-in-one, with air horns locked and loaded for a birdie or better.
With times in between, several junior golfers had the opportunity to take a shot at making a hole-in-one themselves, creating a fun environment with music and excitement for all to enjoy. Just one of the many exciting moments of the day for the Birdies 2 Benefit event and year five is looking to be bigger and better.
