West Bridgewater, MA- The forecast for most of the weekend had called for rain and thunderstorms, but when tee time came on the morning of June 25th for the 12th Annual AFSCME Council 93 Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament clear skies greeted the 144 golfers gathered at Olde Scotland Links in West Bridgewater. A full field of golfers- both of the avid and decidedly less so varieties- were on hand to raise money for the scholarship fund to benefit Council 93 members, their children, spouses, grandchildren, and dependents. By the end of the day just under $48,000 was raised through sponsorships, entry fees, and raffle ticket sales.
The field of golfers was made up of AFSCME Council 93 leaders, rank-and-file members, friends, supporters, and allies. All four Northern New England states were well represented, with several groups from Maine and Vermont using the tournament as an excuse to make a long weekend in Massachusetts.
The group of Council 93 President Charlie Owen, Special Assistant to the Executive Director Mark Bernard, Metro Coordinator Mike Coogan, and Larry Rice of Membership Benefits were the tournament winners with a score of 16-under par. However, no matter what the score the day was a great success for all involved.
Major sponsors included Council 93, Regan Associates, and the City of Boston Credit Union- who provided the lunch buffet for the awards ceremony and raffle drawings. A number of locals, friends, and supporters also generously donated to sponsor holes, raffle prizes, and time to make the tournament a success.
Executive Director Frank Moroney, took time to thank "the tournament coordinator Mark Bernard, the sponsors and volunteers really make this tournament such a great success. Without the help of so many wonderful people over the years we wouldn't have been able to grow this tournament into what it is today."
Golfers, volunteers, and supporters were more than happy to support a great cause, leading to brisk ticket sales for the 50/50 raffle and traditional raffle throughout the day. Through the raffles and on-course challenge contests, more than $8,000 was raised for the scholarship fund. Contributing to the strong ticket sales were the opportunities to win Red Sox tickets, 5-Star Hotel stays, flat-screen TVs, a variety of golf clubs, and various electronics.
Council 93 Executive Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Chris "Tiger" Stockbridge, said of the turnout "it is because of all the people gathered here today that our scholarship fund is able to help three deserving students continue their education every year."
Each year, the AFSCME Council 93 Memorial Scholarship Fund provides three individual one-thousand dollar ($1,000) scholarships to students enrolled in a two-year or four-year accredited college. Awarded in memory of all of our departed members, the scholarship is renewed for each year of attendance. Over the past two decades, more than $43,000 in funding has been awarded to deserving AFSCME families. Council 93 members and their spouses, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, or legal dependent. (Proof of AFSCME membership required) Applicants must be accepted or already attending an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time of the award. Graduate students are not eligible.