Two weeks ago, the 6th Annual Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic was hosted at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation. The event was a rousing success thanks mostly to Novant Health and other sponsors and the dedication of Joy Greear, the Chamber Vice President and Chairman for this event, and Executive Director Paige McKinney. “This is the event we plan for all year.” McKinney shares, “It is always a rewarding experience and it advances further Chamber of Commerce efforts throughout the rest of the community.”
The Chamber of Commerce hosts this golf tournament every year as a way for members of the Mint Hill Community to promote their businesses and get to know other locals in a relaxed atmosphere. “Of course, there is always an element of friendly competition.” McKinney interjects, “The Mint Hill Police, Fire, and Public Works departments challenge each other every year. The MHPD retained their bragging rights by winning again this year.”
With 143 golfers signed up to participate, 46 sponsors donating supplies and money, and a record $31,330 raised, this year’s Classic was the biggest to date. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Spirits were high for both the competitors and the volunteers. Ambassadors for Mint Hill and the Chamber of Commerce were out in force, networking and enjoying camaraderie with their peers. At the dinner donated by Compass One, attendees enjoyed delicious food as well as prizes and raffles.
“We always have so much fun during dinner. We give away donated prizes from businesses and Chamber members.” McKinney explains. “Over 100 gifts were available this year: golf clubs, golf bags, gift certificates to restaurants and businesses, baskets of services and goods from the Mint Hill area – the display was quite a sight. The grand prize this year was a La-Z-Boy recliner provided by Staples. And our congrats go out to Jeff Hogan for winning it!”
McKinney says the Chamber was simultaneously overwhelmed and excited by the turnout and the amount raised by the Classic this year. “We use the money produced by this event to support our beloved Mint Hill Community! We sponsor a bi-annual shred event for people to shred personal documents in a secure and safe way. We are able to help sponsor and host the Veteran’s Breakfast for our local military members. We organize and sponsor the Senior Citizen Christmas party in December for over 500 seniors from Mint Hill and the surrounding area.
“But the largest program we are able to offer through our efforts with the Golf Classic is our annual Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program. It is a $1000 scholarship that goes to two local high school seniors who plan to attend a two-year or four-year college. We’ve had this for several years. Over that time, we have met so many wonderful, talented students. It has become so competitive that the Chamber really wanted to raise our number of scholarships from two to four.” McKinney beams, “This year we were able to reach that goal. Because of this specific event. Because of all our amazing sponsors and participants, we were able to do that. And we are just so grateful, it’s almost beyond words.”
Due to the success of the Golf Classic this year, McKinney says the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce is already gung-ho about next September. “This event is definitely an undertaking, but it is such a gratifying experience. So much good for our community comes out of it. It’s always been the Chamber’s favorite event to host and now we’ve heard that it is one of the local Mint Hill leaders’ favorites as well. We can’t wait to see everyone again next September!”
