Greater Cedar Rapids Open gives back to community
Marion, Iowa // Nov. 11, 2010
The Greater Cedar Rapids Open (GCRO) last week awarded more than $9,000 to four local non-profit organizations and seven area high school golf programs. Check presentations were made during the annual Donor Appreciation Reception, which was held Thursday, Nov. 4, at The Lodge at Hunters Ridge in Marion.
According to Tournament Co-Founder Jim McPartland, more than $100,000 has been awarded to various non-profit organizations throughout the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor since the tournament’s inception in 1999.
“Our committee works hard throughout the year to provide a showcase for aspiring professional golfers, and to raise money that we can feed back into our communities,” said McPartland. “That’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in this tournament.”
This year, Camp Courageous received $4,000, while the Cedar Rapids Optimist Junior Golf Association, The Salvation Army, and the Linn Mar Foundation Indian Creek Playground all received $1,000. Seven local high school golf programs received $300 each, for a total of $2,100.
“When I think of the Greater Cedar Rapids Open, I think of an incredibly dedicated and caring group of people who have taken our camp under their wing,” said Charlie Becker, executive director for Camp Courageous of Iowa. “We typically receive donations in the amount of $5 and $10, which is great, but receiving a check for $4,000 is absolutely wonderful. We can’t thank the GCRO enough.”
The 2011 Greater Cedar Rapids Open is set to tee off on Friday, July 22, and conclude on Sunday, July 24. The tournament will once again be held at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion.
For more information about the Greater Cedar Rapids Open, visit www.gcropen.com. If you have questions, send an email to Jim McPartland, co-founder, at JMcPartland@truenorthcompanies.com.