Educational partners, CGLA and Chattanooga Prep will co-host the 6th Annual Golf Classic on Thursday, June 7 at the challenging and beautiful Creeks Bend Golf Club. Brought together to promote educational innovation and collaboration, CGLA and Chattanooga Prep have also joined forces for this signature event.
"Partnering with CGLA to help set the groundwork of Chattanooga Prep has been such a blessing,” said Chattanooga Prep founders, Ted and Kelly Alling. “This tournament shows our combined efforts in education and fundraising. We have a common goal for this city and we will continue to share in the effort."
CGLA hosted the first Golf Classic in August 2013 and, with the help of sponsors and support from the community, the event has grown each year. According to CGLA and Chattanooga Prep’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elaine Swafford, “this tournament could not happen without all of our generous sponsors. Each year, they step-up, embrace the philanthropic spirit of Chattanooga and help make the Classic successful. We are truly grateful for their support.”
Sponsors also help bring some of the fun to the tournament as most sponsorship opportunities come with at least one team. “It is fun to see all of the teams come out and enjoy the day with us,” said Dr. Swafford. “They bring great energy and competition to the green.”
Team sponsorship opportunities are still available, and anyone who is interested should contact the Development Office at 423-468-4105.
Also new to the classic, this year is the addition of an online auction. The idea of the auction is to embrace the competitive spirit of the tournament in a different way and engage other community members who may not enjoy golf or be able to attend. Bidding for the auction will begin 10 days prior to the event, and items like a vacation rental and jewelry are up for grabs. CGLA and Chattanooga Prep will share the link to the auction website, and anyone is welcome to participate.
Tournament chairs are long-time Chattanooga residents, Susan and John Dever. The Devers, who have always served as the Golf Classic chairs, “bring enthusiasm, great ideas and passion to the planning committee,” says Catherine Clifford, CGLA and Chattanooga Prep’s Development coordinator. “They keep us on track and provide a lot of insight since they have been involved with the tournament since its inception”.
For those who have heard about the partnership between the two schools, but do not quite understand how the collaboration will work, the 6th Annual Golf Classic will be a fun and casual way to learn more, officials said.
According to the schools’ Development Specialist Micah Reed, “Between staff and our passionate volunteers, there will be plenty of people at the tournament who can tell you anything you would want to know.”
Money raised from the tournament will support CGLA and Chattanooga Prep’s daily operation and provide funds that will help expand students’ educational experience. This includes funding the schools’ STEAM centered academic programs. STEAM is an approach that invites students to investigate the interrelationships between science, technology, engineering, the arts and math; it cultivates an environment of dynamic learning, sparking the creative spirit and strengthening critical thinking skills.
Jo Ann Yates is the presenting sponsor of the tournament. Other major sponsors currently include Hutton; Tom Bible Law; Mustang Leadership Partners; Berry Construction; Ted and Kelly Alling; Susan and John Dever; Baylor School; and Stacey Parrott.
For more information about the 6th Annual Golf Classic, contact the Development Office at 423-468-4105.