BRRC hosts yet another successful golf tournament

On a seasonably warm day with perfect weather, the Back River Restoration Committee assembled to hosted one of its highly cherished events to close out the month of June.

BRRC’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament, held on June 28 at Rocky Point Golf Course in Essex, sold out once again. As it has been for the 12 prior events, the tournament fundraiser was a big draw, attracting nearly 150 participants.

For the past five years that Desiree Greaver has been with the organization, the event has sold out, which is largely due to BRRC’s overwhelming support base, she said.

“We have so many amazing volunteers and folks that support the work that we do, and they understand how important it is for us to raise money because we do so much within the community.”

“As a nonprofit, obviously fundraisers are a big part of what we do. A lot of our support is just understanding the importance of our work and know that if we weren’t here, our river would pay dearly.”

The event was a massive success, Greaver continued.

“Everyone was having a great time and the course was beautiful of course,” she said. “I didn’t see an unhappy face in the crowd, that’s for sure.”

The tournament was structured the same as it is every year.

There were 36 four-person teams and the top three received prizes. In addition to raffles and giveaways, other awards include:

The most honest teamHoles closest to the pinLadies’ longest driveMens’ longest driveSeniors’ longest drive

Jeff Bosie, Tom Kersch, Tommy Kersch and Ed Miller were on the winning team; Kevin Sheckells, Scott Sheckells, Norm Vacovsky and Norm Vacovsky Jr. placed second; and Jordan Boller, Drew Cyrus, Mike Hall and Russell Sprague placed third.

Jerry Foerkholb, Luke Lukoski, Mark Lukoski and Mike Lukoski was named the most honest team.

Aside from prizes and the award ceremony there was a luncheon as BRRC celebrated one of its most notable events of the year. This year’s tournament was made possible with the tireless contributions of the 12 board members, BRRC supporters and the nearly three dozen event sponsors.

The golf tournament raised an estimated $10,000 this year, according to Greaver.

“It really solidifies the importance of our work. It reminds us how important what we do is to everyone if affects,” Greaver said while explaining what it means for the BRRC to garner such overwhelming support.

“I don’t think it would sell out like it does if this organization didn’t work as hard as it does. We do a lot of really good work all year long. And when events like this sell out, it’s a really great feeling knowing that we’re having a tremendously positive impact on folks.”

Fundraisers, such as the BRRC golf tournament and the upcoming Larry Farinetti fish tournament, are pivotal in supporting BRRC’s efforts to clean up Back River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

Funds are used to pay for interns, water quality sampling, purchase materials for cleanups, secure resources needed for day-to-day operations and more.

The organization also attends and sponsors several events throughout the regional watershed in support of the local community.