The Michigan & Florida Snowbirds hosted its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on January 31-February 1, at the prestigious Martin Downs Golf and Country Club in Palm City, Florida. The club is owned by African Americans, Stanley and Cheryl Campbell. The event SOLD OUT early January. The golf event started with a group of Michigan Snowbirds desire to get together on a weekly basis to fellowship and play golf. The first year, the organization made a $25,000 donation to support a young PGA circuit golfer of color who had no sponsorship. The second year, in light of the hurricane damage to Bethune Cookman-Cookman University, the Snowbirds made a $25,000 donation to support the rebuilding of its golf program. During year three, a $25,000 donation was made to Cass Tech High School, Detroit, MI.
After learning of the need to support the building of a pipeline for African American golfers into Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the organization is working with a number of committed organizations to determine collectively, how to best utilize funds from this event to support this mission. Renee Fluker, CEO of Midnight Golf advised that “The Snowbirds donation directly support Midnight Golf’s mission of providing Detroit area high school students with access to mentorship, college and career guidance, along with life changing opportunities that shape their futures for the better”.
This year the Snowbirds again hosted members of the Cass Technical High School (Detroit, MI) girls’ golf team, who made history by becoming the first Detroit team to qualify for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 Girls Golf Tournament Championship, after having a golf team in place for only three years. The students were excited to attend and participate (did not compete). Lisa Phillips, Principal of Cass Tech High School, indicated “Cass Tech is appreciative of the financial, spiritual and mentorship that has been an everlasting impact on the Cass Tech team.
The Snowbirds raised approximately $150,000 this year to support its mission. The funds raised from this year’s event will support the programs of Midnight Golf, First Tee, Cass Tech and the NAACP. Carl Bentley, CEO of First Tee Detroit indicated “the Michigan Snowbirds are a living example of how opportunities are created through golf”.
Major sponsors include, AARP, Chemico, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting, Comerica Bank, Henry Ford Health System, CIBC Bank, Ervin Policy Group, Christy Walls, Donald Manvel, Byna Elliott, Rosa Randolph and a long list of hole sponsors and in-kind donors.
Derrick Johnson, President of the National NAACP summed up the weekend by indicating “we must never waver in our fight to ensure diverse opportunities whether in the boardroom or on the golf course – are available to those who have been traditionally left out. The generosity of the Snowbirds will go a long way in helping sustain that fight.
About Michigan Florida Snow Birds, Inc.
The Michigan Florida Snowbirds is a 501-C3 organization, with a mission of increasing the opportunities for African American in golf.
About Martin Downs Golf & Country Club
Martin Downs Golf and Country Club was designed by legendary Treasure Coast Golf Architect, Charles Ankrom in the late 70’s. It is situated on 83 acres in Martin County, Florida. The Club is owned by an African American couple, Cheryl & Stanley Campbell.
