March 5, 2009
1ST ANNUAL GOLF EXPO A HOLE-IN-ONE
PROVIDENCE, RI – More then 5,100 people attended the first annual Southern New England Golf Expo, netting more than $25,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Providence and over $100,000 in in-kind donations.
“We’re thrilled that so many people were able to come, helping to raise more than $25,000 for such a terrific organization,” said Vince Burks, senior assistant vice president for Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the lead sponsor of the event.
“This is the first time Rhode Island has hosted a golf expo, so we weren’t sure what to expect – especially in this economy,” Burks said. “But it’s clear from the turnout that many Rhode Islanders are still looking for ways to relax and have fun. We’re glad that we could help them jump start their golf season in this way, with the Southern New England Golf Expo.”
Amica wasn’t alone in their support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Golf Expo. "Cox Communications was proud to support our partner, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, to raise visibility for the inaugural Southern New England Golf Expo," said Paul Cronin, senior vice president and general manager, Cox Communications.
During the weeks leading up to the Expo, AAA Southern New England helped out as well, selling tickets in its RI branches. More than 70 Johnson & Wales students volunteered their time, too, helping the show run smoothly.
The show, which was held at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Feb. 14 and 15, featured more than 50 golf-related vendors and exhibitors, included a variety of local golf courses, country clubs and tournaments. Visitors also got to check out some of the latest equipment and offerings from Callaway, NikeGolf, TaylorMade and Titleist, which also helped sponsor the show.
Several local golf pros, including Ed Kirby, the head golf professional at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston, offered tips and tricks during presentations on both days. But among the most popular attractions were the Amica Chip for Fun chipping competition, a custom glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course designed by Monster Mini Golf, putting greens and the indoor driving range that let golfers of all ages test their skills for fun and prizes.
Prizes were raffled off throughout the weekend, including tickets to Providence College basketball and Providence Bruins hockey games. The grand prize was a two-day Stay & Play package at Sugarbush Golf Club in Vermont, which included three rounds of golf.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence decided to host the golf expo as a fun new way to raise money, while also promoting awareness of the organization, said John F. Brewster, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “When this idea was presented to us a year ago, it was an interesting way for us to increase our exposure, raise needed funds and present an event that we thought many people would enjoy.”
That’s why Amica agreed to sponsor this year’s event – and already has signed on as the lead sponsor for the expo again next year, Burks said. ”The Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence do such great work, impacting more than 7,000 youths each year. The number of kids who need clubs like this keeps growing. So we’re happy to be able to help.”