Raise $10,000 to $20,000 with a Golf Tournament Fundraiser

You can tee off on team budget needs with a well-organized golf tournament fundraiser. In this Interview with Mike Stefani of Allen (TX) Eagles Hockey, discover how one youth association raised more than $10,000 in one event:

Q: Would you please provide a brief bio of yourself?

Mike: I have been involved with youth hockey in the Dallas area for the last 10 years. Presently I am an Assistant Coach for the Texas Aces Midget Minor A team. I am also a board member for Allen High School in the capacity of fundraising. I am also an Assistant Coach for the JV Gold Team.

Q: What fundraising programs have you implemented in the past?

Mike: This year we did our 1st annual ‘Allen Eagles Hockey Golf Tournament.’ We raised a little over $10,000.00. I would highly recommend a golf tournament. Being this was our first one, we realized many mistakes we made. There are changes we can make next to double our income for the afternoon. 

Q: Can you give us a brief overview of the suggested program?

Mike: The golf tournament was a learning experience. To do it right, you need to coordinate group leaders that can then get parents to help each individual group. You need to have leaders for the following: Tournament Director, Public Relations, Sponsorship, Players & Guests, Entertainment, Gifts & Prizes, Volunteers. The Sponsorship Group and the Gifts & Prizes groups need the most people to make it work.

Q: Do you have any other suggestions for other teams and their fundraising programs?

Mike: Stay away from the small things that generate nickels and dimes. For instance, we did a fundraiser 3 seasons ago where we purchased 100 cases of Salsa. We still have 15 cases left over. Fund 2 large projects to do a season and put all of your focus and efforts into those large projects.

Q: What is your favorite thing about youth sports?

Mike: I have coached my son now for 10 years. I love being a part of his and his friends’ lives.

Q: What advice do you have for parents involved in youth sports?

Mike: Put your heart and soul into your kids. Remember that it is about having fun. As they get older, the sport becomes about learning life lessons. Teach them to love the sport and respect it and to give it everything they have.