7/29/2016
It all started, oddly, in Half Moon Bay.
Susan Rose, a member of Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club was at Half Moon Bay Golf Links for an event. There, she heard Clare Brady - then 14 - speak about her life, overcoming challenges and how golf had helped her along the way. Clare is a member of Youth on Course and spoke passionately about the program. Her speech struck a cord with Susan, who went back to her club the next week and worked tirelessly for two years to bring a fundraiser to Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club.
All of Susan's efforts paid off on July 23rd.
Thanks to the support of the Palo Alto GCC Board of Directors and Staff, the event benefitting Youth on Course began at 11am on Saturday with registration and lunch. Roughly 100 members and guests attended the golf event which was played in a shamble format. YOC members Sandip and Ronnie were hitting shots on the par-3 No. 2 to raise additional funds for YOC. Each time they hit a shot within five feet of the hole $5 was donated to Youth on Course. The duo was able to raise $125 during the round.
After golf, the fun resumed in the banquet hall where a beautiful dinner was served. NCGA Board Director and PAHGCC member, John Dodsworth gave the opening remarks. Next, Youth on Course Executive Director Adam Heieck addressed the crowd and introduced Sandip who delivered the keynote address that brought the room to their feet.
Clare Brady and Sandip Nirmel with Sue Rose, John Dodsworth and a member of Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club
Following the speeches, Mitch Jurichich of Hooked on Golf began the live auction. On the auction block was a golf trip to Hawaii, golf and stay for four at Silverado, and an eight-course meal and wine pairing for eight with the PAHGCC executive chef. After the items were auctioned, there was the opportunity to participate in a donation auction. In a little less than 20 minutes, PAHGCC had raised $60,000+ all in.
The event truly came full circle when Susan Rose got up to be thanked and told everyone that Clare Brady, who was present and had played in the shamble, was the inspiration for the entire fundraiser for Youth on Course.
Youth on Course would like to send our greatest thanks to Susan Rose, John Dodsworth, the members and Board of Directors of Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, and the NCGA board of directors - all who made this event possible. Special thanks to Sandip and Ronnie for dedicating their Saturday to Youth on Course, and to Clare Brady who, with her words and story alone, inspired others to give to Youth on Course in a major way.