A ceremony held at the end of July saw The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills presented with a generous check for $100,000. The money was a gift from health care organization ProMedica, who partnered with the USGA during the U.S. Women’s Open in Southern Pines in June.
Gary Cates, the chief philanthropy officer for ProMedica, and Dennis Baggett, USGA’s managing director of open championships, were both present to speak at the ceremony on the morning of Thursday, July 28.
When addressing the USGA’s recent partnership with ProMedica, Dennis Bagget stated, “We talked about the communities where we’re going to bring USGA championships, and one of the things ProMedica made very clear was their desire to leave something behind in those communities that become our partners as we roll into town.”
Baggett and his wife relocated to the Sandhills a month ago and have been thoroughly enjoying the community since. According to Baggett, the pair is “thrilled” with the opportunity to give back and has been enjoying all Moore County has to offer.
“I want to thank you all for being a part of what is now my community,” said Baggett. “It’s exciting for us to be a part of a community like this, and to recognize the importance of programs here that provide safe places and opportunities for those who may not otherwise have them.”
Cates discussed his enthusiasm for not just the community, but The Boys & Girls Club in-depth. He described the club’s signature clasping-hands logo as “fitting,” stating that, “We have hands coming together in many ways. We offer that hand of support.”
When fundraising for communities, Cates hopes to provide what he feels are the basic necessities, such as food, shelter, jobs, and transportation. By giving back to The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, Cates aims to help achieve this goal for Moore County.
“We get the chance to come into the community with the USGA and do some fundraising, and we’re committed to giving back to the community,” said Cates on behalf of ProMedica. “Thank you for letting us approach your community, and for letting us bring some funds in from this historic Women’s Open.”
With this donation, The Boys & Girls Club is now at about 78% of the 2.9 million dollars they hope to raise. The Building Great Futures Campaign was started about eighteen months ago with the hopes of encouraging and aiding the young people of Moore County through healthy lifestyle programs, academic success, and good character. The club hopes to continue its upward trend of reaching out to the youths of the community to provide support and safety to those who need it most.
~Article and photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Abegail Murphy.
