The Kwame Foundation had a record number of players at its 10th annual golf tournament on August 29 at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course at Forest Park.
The 150 golfers and multiple sponsors helped to raise $120,000 in scholarships to nearby colleges and universities.
“We all know that education is the equalizer,” said Tony Thompson, co-founder of the foundation and CEO and chairman of Kwame Building Group. “Kids need to get an education, no matter where or how they get it.”
Several dignitaries attended, including City Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, state Rep. Steve Webb and Mayor Francis G. Slay.
“We’ve had a broad base of support,” Thompson said.
This year, the financial institutions “stepped up in a big way,” he said. Renaissance Financial sponsored an ice cream truck, which was a big hit on the hot day. Morgan Stanley brought out Pro Football Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow.
Students who had earned scholarships spoke about their experiences entering college.
The Kwame Foundation Golf Tournament funds scholarships and endowments at the following colleges and universities:
• Barnes-Jewish Hospital College of Nursing
• Fontbonne University School of Journalism
• Harris-Stowe State University School of Business
• Interdenominational Theological Center
• Jackson State University
• Maryville University School of Education
• Morehouse School of Medicine
• Ranken Technical College
• St. Louis Community College
• Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences
• Saint Louis Zoo
• Tyrone Thompson Institute for Nonviolence
• University of Kansas School of Architecture
• University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law
• University of Missouri-St. Louis
• Washington University School of Engineering
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Webster University School of Business & Technology.
Every year the foundation endows $150,000 in scholarships and grants at colleges and universities that improve educational opportunities for minorities. The foundation recently sponsored a spring break bus tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for 48 local students.
