On Monday, Sept. 30, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America will hold its annual Gary Wallace Memorial golf tournament that benefits those in the region who deal with multiple sclerosis.
The tourney is expected to take place at Woodcrest Country Club in Cherry Hill. It’s all set to get rolling with registration to kick off at 2 p.m., with a shotgun start slated for 3 p.m. and the reception scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
“Woodcrest is a beautiful, well-known course in the area, and it is right in MSAA’s backyard. While we are a national organization and work with clients in all 50 states, we are headquartered in Cherry Hill, and it is great to be able to have such a wonderful course to host at right here,” said Christy Phillips, development and special events coordinator for the MSAA.
The MSAA will debut a new playing format for this tournament, called “9 & Dine.” As opposed to a full, 18-hole circuit, golfers will instead play just nine holes, before gathering for a cocktail hour, then reception, and awards ceremony. Cost to participate is $140 per golfer and $500 per foursome, which includes greens fees, golf cart rental, and reception fare. Registration is available the day of the tournament.
“After doing the same style tournament for many years, we wanted to try something different! We know how busy people are, especially those who are sponsoring the event through their business. Our thoughts were: head to the office and take care of business in the morning, and join us on the course in the afternoon for a relaxing day of golf, networking, and camaraderie,” Phillips explained.
For anyone interested in attending but who will not play golf, there is still room to attend the reception, which will include a variety of raffle and auction items. Reception tickets cost $50 per person.
Though many fundraising events in the Delaware Valley feature prominent figures from the world of sports and entertainment as an enticement, this one is instead focused on the malady’s community of supporters.
“Most of those who come out to the event are supporters of the MS community and MSAA’s mission. We anticipate around 100 guests to attend the event, whether it be to golf or attend the dinner reception. During the dinner reception a speaker from MSAA’s Art Show Case will address attendees. MSAA’s Art Show Case is a program which celebrates the work done by artists affected by MS,” Phillips said.
Those who choose to participate in the afternoon golf session are eligible to win awards during the reception based on performance: closest to the pin, hole-in-one, first, second, third and last place. Without giving too much away, Phillips revealed the reception will feature more auction items than ever before with prizes provided by local businesses, as well as amazing experiential rewards.
According to Phillips, the tourney raised approximately $40,000 in 2018, and MSAA has an eye on raising more this time around.
“MSAA is committed to improving the lives of those living with MS, their families, and care partners through our free programs and services. We’re able to do so through the generous people in the community who come out and support our events,” Phillips concluded.
If members of the public are interested in getting involved with MSAA but can’t make this event, please email Phillips at: cphillips@mymsaa.org. Any other questions or inquiries can be submitted to Phillips at: cphillips@mymsaa.org or by calling (800) 532-7667 ext. 127.
