Golfing for a good cause was a cool thing during the 25th Annual Jim Butler Memorial Golf Classic to support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) on Monday, June 23, 205 at Norwood Hills Country Club.
The annual event, which supports more than 18 Boys & Girls Clubs programs, is expected to raise $250,000 to support BGCSTL members and their families.
More than 180 golfers braved the extremely hot temperatures to provide youth with access to resources that allow them to gain confidence, develop good character and citizenship, and make healthy life choices.
Each year, two Club members are awarded scholarships for embodying the spirit of sportsmanship. Alana Sampa of Hazelwood Elementary at Larimore School Club and Mikah Wells from the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto received a check for $500 for exemplary sportsmanship.
Among th professional sports figures supporting the golf classic were former Boys & Girls Club kid and retired NFL player Laurence Maroney, former outfielder and St. Louis Cardinals Assistant Coach Jon Jay and St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.
The late Jim Butler was a former board member and long-time supporter of BGCSTL. The Jim Butler Memorial Golf Classic is a 4-person scramble that includes 18 holes of golf, pre-round lunch, on-course refreshments, food, games, contests, and post-round activities, including dinner and awards.
“This was my first year and I am happy to see the support the golf classic brings and how it highlights the impact of BGCSTL programming,” said BGCSTL President and CEO Brandon Williams.
“I am happy that Brad and Michelle Sowers picked up the torch and continued to support the Club. The impact is great. We want to continue the legacy by making the event bigger and better every year.”
Retired BGCSTL President and the Chair of this year’s golf classic, Flint Fowler, retired BGCSTL president and chair of this year’s golf classic called the tournament, “a testament to commitment to youth development. “
“The event has raised over $5 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis since its inception,” he said/
BGCSTL offers after-school, teens, sports, and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State region while also providing a safe space for them to learn and grow.