Over the last six months, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting great people all over the country. This week’s trip to Georgia was no exception.
The Mansfield Golf Classic is a prime demonstration of the commitment our sponsors have to helping individuals and families living with muscle-debilitating diseases. Mansfield Oil Company’s 30-year partnership with MDA has resulted in more than $5 million in contributions to help people like me. Awesome, right? I’m happy to report this year’s golf tournament raised a staggering $808,595 for MDA! To put that into perspective, that’s $83,000 more than last year’s total. Now, that’s something to write home about!
The Mansfield Golf Classic is the largest golf event in the U.S. for MDA, and it attracts more than 400 golfers over two days. This year’s event featured a VIP night, the chance to golf on four courses designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio, live entertainment and a skeet shooting experience.
Mansfield truly goes all in for this event. Their employees donate more than 4,000 hours annually to the event and everything is underwritten by Mansfield Energy Corp., ensuring 100% of the contributions go directly to MDA research and family support.
Everything was world-class – except the weather. While the tournament itself may have been affected by some soggy conditions, the rain didn’t stop us from having the time of our lives at the Kellie Pickler concert Tuesday evening. I was so excited when I learned Mansfield had arranged for one of my favorite country singers to perform on our second night in town. Originally, the concert was set to be held outside. But in an effort to keep us dry, the performance was moved indoors. I actually liked the intimate setting of the show. It was great to sing along and dance with friends to music I love.
I think the highlight of my southern adventure was meeting Kellie at the meet-and-greet arranged by Mansfield. She was so sweet in person and wonderful to chat with. I’m grateful she took the time to hang out with me and the other MDA families in attendance including past National Goodwill Ambassador Bryson Foster and 2015 Georgia State Goodwill Ambassador Abigail Lloyd.
I know I’ve said it before, but meeting MDA families and the many friends and supporters of MDA is one of the best parts of this job. It’s also great getting to know the different local MDA staff around U.S. The Atlanta crew is made up of nothing but rock stars! I can’t wait to head to back to this event next year and see all of the friends I made again.
But for now, as they say in the south… Bye y’all!
