To say that today's economic environment is challenging is a sizable understatement. Home prices have declined. Institutions have failed. Confidence has soured. Markets have fallen. Cash flow has tightened. Volitality has increased. Emotion has been manifest in downward pressures. These are indeed tough times. Tratitionally, charities tend to face challenges during such periods of economic duress - as families and corporations trim philanthropic disciplines for the sake of broadening cash flow. Such are the times in which we find ourselves…and yet this year's tournament field was full and our event nearly reached record levels with its charitable proceeds. These are realities that are both inspiring and essential.
Because while we struggle with the implications of a stock market pullback, a twelve year old boy in Baltimore City struggles with addiction. While we lament portfolio losses, a fifteen year old girl in
The needs of impoverished children ignore economic circumstance. The homeless, the addicted, the hungry, the beaten & battered - their pains are not correlated to the investment markets. Their challenges are the same regardless of the S&P 500's direction. They are as in-need in a Bear Market down-turn as they are in a Bull Market up-draft. Perhaps even more so.
Service to such needs cannot be reduced or altogether sacrificed for the sake of convenience. For what is true giving, if not a stretch for the giver. Isn't the smallest of offerings given with sacrifice greater than the largest of dollars granted without strain?
The point, dear friends, is that the time and financial resource dedicated to our cause makes a difference. Children will play, eat, sleep, laugh and smile because of what GCA's supporters did this year. Lives will be impacted. A difference will be made. And because of such support, Golfers’ Charitable will continue to grow in its purpose in spite of challenges economic or otherwise. The reason for this is simple – our patrons understand the charge of our mission, and the integrity of our cause.
If you are currently a supporter of GCA or if you are considering becoming one of the many who dedicate themselves to our cause, please understand that your time, energy and resource do indeed make a difference. Every dollar will be put to use. Every dollar counts.
Individually, we are business professionals and golf professionals. Collectively we are Golfers' Charitable. And our efforts are changing lives. Thank you for walking alongside us. Here's to continued success in the time ahead. Thank you and God bless.
-Mason
Mason Champion, PGA
President
The Golfers' Charitable Association
