Pat P. poses with two members of the First Book-Charles County Local Advisory Board.

First Book-Charles County, a First Book Local Advisory Board in Charles County, Maryland, hosted their 4th Annual Golf for Literacy Tournament on Monday, August 7th, at the Potomac Ridge Golf Club. More than 20 foursomes stepped into their golf carts around 11:30 am and headed out to the golf course. You could just feel the excitement and I knew that the day — even with the heat — was going to be a huge success.

Each golfer had received an imprinted gift bag loaded with goodies at check-in. These goodies included a $25 coupon towards their next round of golf, an imprinted sunglass case, golf tees, a note pad, coupons to be used at local businesses Modell’s and Dicks Sporting Goods, and a coupon to receive a free golf club.

Participants had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets and mulligans, enter a putting contest, or participate in one of the many on-the-course contests. Einstein Brothers Bagels provided breakfast, Arby’s provided box lunches (which were fantastic), and Henry’s Soul Café provided a dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, string beans, rolls and sweet potato pie.

The most wonderful item in the gift bag, however, was a new book to be given to a child from a low-income family, and a form asking the participant to sign up as a Literacy Sponsor by making a donation to the Local Advisory Board. Everyone was also encouraged to participate in the super silent auction that included two Southwest Airlines tickets, among many other great items.

Door prizes were given to each golf participant. Team and individual awards were presented at the end of the day. Four of the major business sponsors received trophies and certificates.

Above: The first place team in the golf tournament

The day would not have been a success without all the wonderful volunteers. Master Sargent Queen Alexander, from Andrews Air Force Base, has graciously allowed her quadrant to volunteer at the tournment for the past couple of years. Without their assistance, it would have been tough to get all the work done.

I started my day driving the beverage cart but you know — who was I fooling? That sun soon got the best of me. I spent the balance of the day engaged in the activities that were under the shelter. Afterwards, I left bedraggled and tired, but I soon realized that this activity had put new books into the hands of many children in Charles County. I had met many new friends and even made a connection for a new member and business partner for the Prince George’s County Local Advisory Board!