Global Partners for Development kicked-off their first annual Golf for Girls and their Allies on a sunny April morning at Santa Rosa’s Golf and Country Club. We were graciously joined by an enthusiastic crowd of friends old and new, professional golf players, and generous volunteers all in support of the cause. Guests were treated to a tasty breakfast before setting off to the golf course and trying their luck in the four individual contests that were taking place simultaneously for a chance to win an array of special prizes, including a brand-new car courtesy of Jim Bone Auto Group.
For over four decades, Global Partners for Development has empowered community-led initiatives that have impacted over three million East Africans, including girls and women disproportionately impacted by poverty. Our annual Golf for Girls and their Allies aims to bring awareness of these necessities and to raise funds for programs aimed at improving women and girls’ access to education, health, clean water, and hygiene products. Although many traditional charity golf tournaments are primarily dominated by men, Global Partners was hoping for a different dynamic for this event by hosting a more female-centric golf tournament to align with our values of empowering women.
Our special guest line-up represented a diverse group of female golf players with an array of titles and accomplishments. Players were given the opportunity to warm up with SRCC teaching pro, Jessica Quayle, while learning an array of tips and pointers prior to the start of the tournament. International golf player and influencer, Stephanie Gibri, joined team Thwack It as a guest player while vlogging her experience to a nearly 60,000 social media audience. World golf champion, Heather Manfredda, challenged each team to a hole out of her 400-yard drive for a chance to win a golf trip of a lifetime in the Pay to Drive contest.
At the end of the tournament, our group of tired, yet accomplished, players sat down to enjoy a delicious barbeque and our winning teams were awarded with their respective prizes. Guests were encouraged to check out our silent auction and bid on various items that included authentic artisanal pieces handmade by African artists. In the end, we raised over $50,000 that will directly benefit women and girls’ programs in East Africa.
To our sponsors, donors, and players, we can’t thank you enough for your kind generosity and enthusiastic participation. This event could not have been possible without you, and we cannot wait to do it all over again next year!
