Color guard during a past Patriot Day event at the Belle Haven Country Club.
Belle Haven Country Club will honor and remember those who were impacted by the tragedies of 9/11 by hosting the 4th Annual Patriot Day Golf Classic on Friday, Sept. 8. Patriot Day, also known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, is Monday, Sept. 11. On this day, all Americans will pause to remember and honor the 2,977 people, who lost their lives as a result of the largest act of terrorism ever on U.S. soil.
In 2014, Belle Haven Country Club staff members created the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Belle Haven Patriot Day Foundation, to honor and remember those that were touched by those events. Club members, guests, staff and the local community have come together raising financial support for the selected local organizations that assist wounded warriors, military families and/or emergency first responders in the local community. Funds are raised through corporate and individual donations, registration fees from player-participants in the golf tournament, and support from local businesses and sponsors. In addition, the golf tournament features the sale of mulligans, 50/50 raffle tickets, and a silent auction.
This year, the net proceeds will be awarded to and split by Operation Renewed Hope Foundation (www.operationrenewedhopefoundation.org) and Links To Freedom Golf Foundation (www.linkstofreedom.org), two 501 (c)(3) charitable foundations that assist service men and women daily.
The Inaugural Tournament in 2014 raised over $11,000, which was divided equally between Camp Freedom Ranch and the Ft. Belvoir Wounded Warrior Golf Program. In year two, the tournament raised $12,500 to benefit the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department and the Fairfax County Police Department. In year three, the net contribution grew to $20,000 which was split between Operation Renewed Hope Foundation and Links to Freedom Golf Foundation. Playing for the same two beneficiaries this year, with the support of local businesses, organizations and citizens, a goal has been set to double that contribution.
The Belle Haven Patriot Day Golf Classic features an 18-hole Captain's Choice Step Aside tournament played on the Arthur Hills designed course, followed by an awards and recognition cocktail reception.
There are four ways to participate:
Sponsorship opportunities – The foundation is seeking sponsorship opportunities from individuals and local business leaders who own or operate companies and businesses that would be interested in participating in this event and supporting it financially. There are also sponsorship opportunities available for those that do not wish to play golf.
Sign up your foursome - There will be a total of 18 foursomes (72 player positions) and the tournament field will fill on a first-reserved (with paid registration), first-served basis until all foursomes are sold out.
Attend the Awards and Recognition Program and Banquet.
Make a Donation to the Silent Auction – The Patriot Day Golf Classic looks forward to raising additional funds for the designated charitable organizations through a silent auction. Consider donating items of value, weekend getaways, gift certificates to one’s business etc.
The club’s executive assistant, Noelle LoMonaco Hinkle, is the primary point of contact for the golf tournament. Contact her at nhinkle@bellehavencc.com or 703-894-5302, for more information, to register or get involved.
In addition, this year's Patriot Day Golf Classic has partnered with the 9/11 Heroes Run, another 501(c)3 charitable organization run by the Travis Manion Foundation. The 9/11 Heroes Run will take place the day after the Patriot Day Golf Classic on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m. The Patriotic Opening Ceremony starts at 8 a.m. at Sandburg Middle School.