Spring ISD Education Foundation Hosts Charity Golf Tourney

HOUSTON, TX — The weather Monday couldn’t have been more perfect as nearly 140 golfers hit the links to support the Spring ISD Education Foundation’s annual “Tee Up for Education” charity tournament.

"I’ve been doing this for years," said Ben McMillan of IDG Architects, as he waited to tee off. "It’s a very good cause. I wouldn’t miss it."

McMillan said he enjoys the tournament for both professional and personal reasons. Not only does he get to network with others who do work on behalf of schools, he gets to support the district from which his own three children graduated.

"I enjoy doing it. This is my down time."

The fun event is serious business for the Education Foundation, which counts the golf tournament as its major fundraiser for the year, bringing in anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 to help support teacher grants and student scholarships.

Initially scheduled for October, the tournament had to be postponed because of Hurricane Harvey.

Organizers were worried that the date change would keep some regular players and sponsors away, but the turnout on Monday told a different story.

"I think it’s the best tournament we’ve had," said Education Foundation President Ken Grays. "We’re going to hit a lot of our goals."

The tournament kicked off at Northgate Country Club with a shotgun start at noon. Along the course, golfers could take advantage of several charity initiatives, including a donation hole, courtesy of professional golfer Kody Zurek.

"This is a good way for us to give back and lend our support," said Kirk Madison, of DLR Architects, whose team of four got the benefit of Zurek’s powerful tee off down the fairway.

Another highlight was the Stik-it! Fore Charity hole, sponsored by Spring ISD Board President Rhonda Newhouse, who also serves on the Foundation board.

After making a donation, golfers got to use an air cannon to send the ball within striking distance of the hole.

"Our goal is to raise money for the kids," said Sam Rose of Stik-it! Golf. "This is a fundraiser."

Newhouse said she was pleased with the turnout at Monday’s event, especially since the tournament moved from October to April.

"We’re very appreciative of all of our sponsors and individuals who came out to support us, especially since we had to change the date." she said. "They didn’t forget us."

Planning is already underway for the Foundation’s next golf tournament, tentatively scheduled for October 2018.

Grays said there is always more work to do on behalf of the students and teachers of Spring ISD. "We’re a Foundation that’s looking out for the best interests of our district," he said. "It’s important because when our district does well, it raises the value of everything in the community."

Image: Spring ISD: Spring ISD Education Foundation supporters wave to golfers as they head toward the course for an afternoon of golf during the Foundation’s Tee Up for Education charity tournament.