VGCC to hold 25th benefit Golf Tournament May 12
The 25th annual Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund Golf Tournament will be held at the Henderson Country Club on Tuesday, May 12. As the college prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary later in the year, it also is marking a milestone for the fundraiser.
“Through the years, thanks to the support of numerous golfers and sponsors, our tournament has grown to include both morning and afternoon rounds as well as meals,” VGCC President Randy Parker said. “We have attracted golfers from miles around, created enthusiasm for the school and raised more than $396,000 to support our students.” The 2008 tournament alone generated almost $23,000 from entry fees and from sponsors.
The first of what has become an annual golf tournament was held in April 1985 at Kerr Lake Country Club. Dr. Ben Currin, VGCC’s president at the time, recalled that it was originally conceived as simply an “industry appreciation” tournament/cook-out to thank businesses who were supportive of the college. “We only made about $300 or $400,” Currin said, “but after it was over, people said we should invite more people, open it up and raise some money for the scholarship fund. It started very modestly, but it grew because of community support.”
“I think what has made it successful over the years is the purpose for which it is staged — to raise money to provide scholarships for students at VGCC,” said VGCC Board of Trustees chair Donald Seifert, Sr. of Henderson. Bob Hubbard of Henderson, the vice-chairman of the board for the VGCC Endowment Fund, said that adding the second round, the dinner prepared by the Henderson Country Club, and the door prizes have made the tournament unique.
Morning and afternoon rounds will begin with shotgun starts, at 8:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. The format is four-person “Captain’s Choice Super Ball.” Golfers can form their own teams of four, or sign up and be put on a team. Teams will be handicapped based on handicaps supplied by each player. Trophies will be awarded for first through third place teams in both rounds. Other prizes will be given for closest to the pin and longest drive. One hole-in-one will be rewarded with a new car, courtesy of Charles Boyd Chevrolet-Pontiac-Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Inc. The cost for one golfer to enter the tournament is a $150 tax-deductible donation per round. That fee includes greens fees, cart, meals, gift bag, and practice balls. A light breakfast, lunch, and dinner (immediately following the afternoon round) will be served in the Henderson Country Club clubhouse. There is a $20 dinner charge for non-players. Businesses and individuals can also take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. Businesses may also donate products or premium items with the company’s logo on them to be placed in golfers’ gift bags, or to be given as door prizes. For more information, visit the college’s main campus in Vance County or call (252) 738-3409.
Above: Then-VGCC President Dr. Ben Currin (left) congratulates winning golfers at the fourth annual VGCC Golf Tournament in 1988. The 25th annual tournament will be held May 12. (VGCC photo)
