Collin County Golf Classic & Tennis Tourney A Hit

Event Raises More Than $100K For Charity

The Third Annual Collin County Wal-Mart Golf Classic at McKinney’s Eldorado Country Club was a resounding success. Despite the heat, more than 200 athletes swung clubs and, new to the event this year, tennis racquets, as part of another successful event benefitting the residents of Collin County. This year’s recipients of the athletes’ efforts were The Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s only homeless shelter, and the Collin County Committee on Aging (CCCA) as the Classic raised more than $100,000.

“Our sponsors really came through for us so that we were able to come through for our community," said event host and 2008 McKinney Citizen of the Year Brent Allen. "The reason I came up with this annual event three years ago is because I felt that the charities in Collin County weren’t receiving enough donations. With the popularity of golf and tennis around the Metrolplex, each year we can continue to support new beneficiaries.”

One of the beneficiaries, The Samaritan Inn, provides emergency refuge for people experiencing homelessness and follows through by offering intense, therapeutic programs designed to foster independent living. Since many of the Inn’s residents need marketable job skills, the Inn provides practical experience with its award-winning small business, Samaritan Inn-dustries. This program teaches job skills by hand-producing and marketing chocolate truffles, appropriately named Greater Goodies.  

Samaritan Inn Executive Director Lynne Sipiora thanked all 194 golfers and 40 tennis players who participated and added, “I’m proud Brent Allen is a member of The Samaritan Inn Board of Directors. His passion and energy for our cause, and for our community, is incredible.”  

The tournament also supported Collin County’s citizens through the Collin County Committee on Aging (CCCA). CCCA provides Meals on Wheels, CCART transportation, and meals at six senior centers county-wide. 

“The funds from this event allow us to continue to provide much-needed Meals on Wheels and CCART services to the residents of Collin County,” said CCCA Director Marilyn Stidham.  

The event was organized and sponsored by the three McKinney Wal-Mart stores. Corporate sponsors were Andrews Distributing/Miller Brewing Company and Coca-Cola. Sponsors for the evening awards ceremony were Hostess and Wonder brands, with Sara Lee and Hooters providing and serving the athletes’ meals.

For more information on these community services, see thesamaritaninn.org and cccoaweb.org.


Third Annual Collin County Wal-Mart Golf Classic Winners:

Golf:
AM shooter: DJ Gray
PM shooter: Blake Mascari. 
Putting Contest: Stephen Gordon. 
Long Drive: Malcolm Sipriano,

AM Flight:
1st: Stephen Gordon, Brock McDowell, Curtis Schuler, Joey Moroze
2nd: Harry Donavon, David Odell, John Sowerby, Ken Sipiora
3rd: DD Pierce, Roger Vinson, Randy Cade, Jason Gremminger

PM Flight:
1st: Stephen Gordon, Brock McDowell, Curtis Shuler, Joey Moroze (team played AM & PM)
2nd: Joe Cumby, Mick Speck, Channing Burnett, DJ Gray
3rd: Marcus Jordan, Robert Reynolds, Malcolm Sipriano, Dan Liberto

Tennis:
Round 1: Angela Hilsabeck and Janel Tankersley
Round 2: Lisa Noble and Nicky Hanson.


Article contributed by Lynne Weinberger
Lynne is a freelance writer/PR specialist who writes for the Samaritan Inn and area businesses.