It may have a cliché flavor to it when saying an event is on “cruise control,” but when it comes to the Medbrook Children's Charity “Party with a Purpose” Children's Charity Golf Classic at The Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, it is appropriate.
The event has been taking place for nearly a quarter of a century. In fact, this Monday, July 29, it will be the 24th annual event.
“We’re getting up there in years, but we plan on taking both the party and the purpose up a notch,” said Dr. Kelly Nelson, the founder and president of Medbrook Children’s Charity.
That means, as it usually does, Nelson and his board of directors will be doing a lot of the same, highly popular events that sees more than 20 foursomes participate and countless others attend the charity event. He also said, as usual, expect some new additions.
“There are always a few twists for the players and those attending when the arrive,” said Nelson. “We’ll also have ax throwing, skeet shooting, dee jays at multiple areas on the course (holes 4, 7, 13, 16 and at Pete’s Place), bars on several holes, and plenty of food.”
Here is what those participating can expect. They have signed up for a tournament and they will not play 18 holes.
The best part? Not only does no one care, there is a waiting list of foursomes annually trying to get into the field.
“We’ll have our shotgun start at noon and there is zero chance of playing 18 holes,” said Nelson. “The only thing we’re going to guarantee is that you’re going to have fun, unless there is something wrong with you, and you’re going to be helping a good cause.”
The cause goes to many areas in the community, but the bulk of the dollars over the year – which is now well exceeding $2 million – goes to two areas. Both areas are associated with the school system.
One of the areas involves the Harrison County School’s school nurse discretionary fund. If a child cannot afford eyeglasses, medication, appointments this can fund it. If adaptive equipment for a special needs student is required, this fund can be tapped into.
“Those nurses are truly angels among us. We’ll be with that program, for certain, until I draw my last breath and I’m betting much longer,” said Nelson, who said they expect to net more than $150,000 this year.
The other program is the children’s apparel program. While there are often places to get winter clothes, Nelson said this money is aimed for the start of school, as well as anyone experiencing a growth spurt during school.
“We’ve heard stories about kids getting their first pair of tennis shoes and their reaction,” said Nelson. “Part of you feels guilty about something like that making someone so happy, and part of it is humbling to be a part of something to help out.”
Nelson said, even in the few years of harsh weather, the event always works out. It goes from registration at 10 a.m. to shotgun start at noon, to an evening banquet.
“No one leaves hungry or thirsty or without having a good time,” said Nelson. “I think you combine that with what this means for the causes the charity supports and you can see why it has lost no steam. It still is taking a life of its own.”
Nelson said one reason he sees things going full steam is that the board members of the charity are a strong mixture of new and old blood. He said what makes that even better is that the new blood is heavily involved and also is among the biggest donors to the causes undertaken.
“Some people have been with us every year. We never have a problem having hole sponsors, but looking at it we still have two original hole sponsors,” said Nelson. “MCM and Bridgeport Physical Therapy have been there since day one. It’s a fitting example of the old guard and the new guard getting things done.”
Nelson said the charity would not be a success without the support of the community. He said their involvement has taken the charity to places to do things he never dreamed possible. And that support, he said, drives him and the entire board to continue working year around.
“We know the 25th anniversary is now a year away, and I can tell you plans are already underway,” said Nelson. “We plan to take the party and the purpose to its biggest level ever, but first we’re going to knock it out this coming Monday.”
If you are interested in getting involved, assisting, or donating, contact the charity at 304-842-7270 or by email at charity@medbrookcharity.org.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Dr. Kelly Nelson at a past event, while food and fun are shown in the next two photos. In between the entertainment and goodwill, a few holes of golf are played as is shown in the bottom photo. All photos by Joe LaRocca.
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