The Higher Education Scholarship Foundation Program hosted the 1st Annual “Swing for Education” Golf Tournament on September 19, 2014 at the Fountainhead Creek Golf Course located in Checotah, OK.
The Tournament was classified as a 4 person scramble at $300.00 a team with lunch, cart & green fees included with registration at 8:00 AM and Shotgun Start at 9:00 AM. We had 25 teams in attendance with golfers from all over the state of Oklahoma, as well as from Texas and Kansas. In attendance were MCN Principal Chief George Tiger, National Council Representatives, Cabinet Members, Members of the Foundation, as well as Employees of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Our main focus for this event was to raise scholarships for Muscogee (Creek) students and also to connect with other organizations for the opportunity to market and promote the HESFP. We made a connection with over 20 Business’s in addition to other people of the golfing community. We made a great impression on the teams that participated in the tournament – hearing good things about the course, food, t-shirts, and gifts we provided to the golfers. Not only were the gifts a big hit, but the participants were especially excited about the 18th Hole-In-One prize provided by James Hodge Chevrolet of Okmulgee: a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. We had other contests that took place in the tournament, such as a Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin in which we presented a Driver and Wedge for the winners. Dixon Golf also had a set-up on hole #3 for prizes such as a sleeve of balls, gift certificates and hats.
In overall the people were satisfied with the tournament not only as it is a sport that they enjoy, but for great way to give back to the community through educational purposes.
Our founding Committee members for this event are: Tournament Chair – Dr. Pete Coser; Vice Tournament Chair – Elsa Fraser; Corporation/Sponsorship & Donation Co-Chairs – Dr. Pete Coser & Emmanuel Bezzell; Golfer Chair – Nathan Barnett; Prize/Gift Chair – Elsa Fraser; Volunteer Chair – Kryste Benge; Marketing & PR Chair – Jason Salsman; and Hospitality & Event Operations Chair – Geebon Gouge.