Spring Branch Education Foundation’s Golf Classic reaches new record

The Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) 2008 Fall Golf Classic earned $80,000 to benefit Spring Branch ISD students and teachers, reports Gary Cooper, event chair and SBEF board member. This year’s team tournament was held recently at River Ridge Golf Course in Sealy.
           
“I couldn’t be more pleased,” Cooper said. “We had 33 teams, and everyone enjoyed the day. Our hard-working planning committee was determined to surpass last year’s successful tournament. We were able to do that, increasing the total by $10,000!”

           
Teeing up for schools: Among the 33 teams competing recently at the 2008 Fall Golf Classic in Sealy were members of the Apache Corporation SBEF golf team. Pictured, left to right, are: Matt Dundrea, Paschall Tosch, SBISD Superintendent of Schools Duncan Klussmann, and Bert Viguet.

In addition to Cooper, the 13th annual Golf Classic committee members include: Patty Busmire, SBEF Special Events chair, Carter Breed, Rudy Ramos, Portia Willis, Irene Pavlovsky, Gary Junek, Mike Knox, Doug Rapier, Warren Matthews, Curt Martin, Ted Nowak, Jay McMahon and Cece Thompson.
           
Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, L.L.P. was the tournament’s Eagle Clubhouse Sponsor at the $10,000 level. J. Carter RE/MAX Memorial Town & Country was a $7,000 Tees, Tags & Tools and Combo Package Sponsor. Contributors at the $6,000 level included Apache Corporation as Golf Shirt Sponsor and Bridgeway Capital Management as Golf Cap Sponsors. Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center was the $5,000 Golf Ball Sponsor.
           
Other sponsors include: $4,000 Reception Sponsors, Sue and Barry Abrams and Mallory and James Shaddix; and Lunch Sponsor, WEDGE Group. At the $3,000 level: Hole in One Car sponsorship by Westside Lexus, Hole in One Cash sponsorship by Wells Fargo, Putting Contest sponsorship by the SHW Group and Golf Cooler Bag sponsorship by First Community Credit Union.
           
SBEF and the Golf Classic committee offers special thanks to Ciro’s Italian Grill, 9755 Katy Freeway, for providing lunch and dinner.
           
The tournament is one of three major Foundation fundraising events. Others include the Crystal Awards which recognizes outstanding teachers and will be held March 6, 2009, at the Westin Galleria, and the spring Running for the Arts 5-K Fun Run/Walk, which supports the district’s Arts Partners Program.
           
The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of education for every student in SBISD. Founded in 1993, SBEF provides donors with a vehicle for making tax-deductible gifts to the district. In 15 years, the Foundation has raised more than $6 million and received the Houston Business Promise Award from the Greater Houston Partnership.