Raising more than $8,500 plus a Hole-in-One Winner of Tacos for a Year and a Cruise
Utica, NY-
More than 30 teams came out to play 18 holes of golf at Crestwood Gold Club in Marcy on Friday, June 4th to help raise funds for United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV.) The organization’s young professional group, Emerging Leaders United (ELU) hosted the inaugural tournament that raised more than $8,500 for United Way MV.
The tournament had a chance to win prizes from cash to raffle baskets, to some cool hole-in-one winning such as a car from Steet Ponte Lincoln Ford, $500 in local gift cards sponsored by McGrogan Design, $500 grocery gift card sponsored by Price Chopper/Market 32, and tacos for a year from Lunas on Varick.
One winner, Rick Hill, was lucky enough to have the perfect swing, making a hole-in-one to win both tacos for a year from Luna’s on Varick and a cruise from Steet Ponte Lincoln Ford. Rick used an 8 iron to make his first-ever hole in one on hole 8, a 165-yard, par 3 hole.
“To say that I had a great time with the exceptional staff and volunteers during United Way ELU’s Golf Tournament would be an understatement,” said Rick Hill, hole-in-one winner. “I always said that if I hit a hole-in-one, I would remain calm, however, that was far from the case. My team, the staff and I were elated. Other workers from around the course came up to the green to congratulate me which made it that much more special. I almost felt like I could not finish the round because of all the adrenaline but we pushed through. Overall, it was an experience I will never forget and I’m glad I was able to be there to support a great cause like the Emerging Leaders United and United Way of the Mohawk Valley.”
Golfers also had the chance to test their skill to win closest to the pin sponsored by Indium Corporation and longest drive sponsored by Utica National Insurance Group. On top of the many chances to win some amazing prizes golfers also received swag bags worth $25, a team photo keepsake, beverages from McCraith Beverages, light dinner or continental breakfast, lunch sponsored by Cowboy BBQ, Assured Information Security, Utica Gas & Electric FCU, and cupcakes from Babycakes by Becca.
“Our ELU committee was really excited to put together our first golf tournament to benefit United Way MV,” stated Carli Sterling, United Way MV’s Sr. Development Manager. “This group of hard-working and creative members pulled off a seamless and fun event that usually takes an entire year to plan, in just 6 short months.”
United Way MV’s ELU is comprised of both committee members and society members, of which are all local individuals between the ages of 21 and 40. The ELU committees give back to the community all year by coordinating and hosting fundraising and networking events, supply drives, and volunteer opportunities. Anyone between those ages can be a member of Emerging Leaders United Society with a $100 donation to United Way MV. Members get access to exclusive benefits thanks to sponsorships from M&T Bank, Priceless Inspections, LLC, and Indium Corporation. Some of the benefits include discounts to ELU events, swag, and a free professional headshot session.
“Our ELU members are the next generation of leaders for this community,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way MV’s CEO. “This society provides the perfect outlet for our region’s young professionals to connect with their peers while giving back.”
To learn more about United Way MV’s ELU or to become a member visit unitedwaymv.org/elu. Members that sign up by June 30th will ensure they get access to all the annual benefits.
To check out more upcoming events from United Way of the Mohawk Valley or their ELU Society, visit unitedwaymv.org/events. The next United Way MV event is their annual Community Block Party, a free family-friendly event with games, food, prizes, entertainment, and more, coming up on August 20, 2021.
