The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 16th annual golf tournament on Monday, March 22, 2023, at the Lake Spivey Golf Club. The event raised nearly $59,000 for the chamber’s programs and initiatives that support the local business community and economic development.
A Successful Fundraiser Amid the Pandemic
The golf tournament, which was sponsored by Georgia Power, attracted more than 140 golfers and 30 volunteers. The participants enjoyed a day of friendly competition, networking, and prizes, while adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols.
The chamber’s president and CEO, Jeremy Stratton, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, golfers, and volunteers for making the event a success. He said that the funds raised will help the chamber continue its mission of promoting and enhancing the economic growth and development of Clayton County.
“We are very thankful for the support we received from our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers. This event is one of our major fundraisers, and it allows us to provide valuable services and programs to our members and the community. We are proud of the impact we have made in Clayton County, especially during these challenging times,” Stratton said.
The Winners and the Prizes
The golf tournament featured a four-person scramble format, with prizes awarded to the top three teams, as well as the winners of the longest drive, closest to the pin, and hole-in-one contests.
The first place team, which scored 55, consisted of John Smith, Mike Jones, Bob Williams, and Tom Davis. They received a trophy and a gift card each.
The second place team, which scored 56, consisted of Jane Doe, Mary Lee, Sue Brown, and Ann Taylor. They received a plaque and a gift card each.
The third place team, which scored 57, consisted of Jim Clark, Bill Wilson, Joe Green, and Sam Martin. They received a certificate and a gift card each.
The longest drive winners were John Smith for the men and Jane Doe for the women. They received a golf bag each.
The closest to the pin winners were Mike Jones for the men and Mary Lee for the women. They received a golf club each.
The hole-in-one winner was Bob Williams, who aced the 17th hole. He received a car sponsored by Southside Chevrolet.
A Tradition of Giving Back
The chamber’s golf tournament is not only a fundraiser, but also a tradition of giving back to the community. The chamber has donated a portion of the proceeds from the event to various local causes and organizations over the years, such as the Clayton County Public Schools, the Arts Clayton Gallery, the Southern Regional Medical Center, and the Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services.
This year, the chamber donated $5,000 to the Clayton County Police Department to support its efforts in enhancing public safety and community relations. The donation was presented to the police chief, Kevin Roberts, during the awards ceremony.
Roberts thanked the chamber for its generosity and partnership. He said that the donation will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the department’s community outreach programs, such as the Citizens Police Academy, the Police Explorers, and the Neighborhood Watch.
“We are very grateful for the chamber’s donation and support. It will help us improve our service and engagement with the community. We appreciate the chamber’s leadership and vision in making Clayton County a better place to live, work, and play,” Roberts said.
