McConnell Golf encourages members of all ages to give back

McConnell Golf is a driving force in all its local communities, hosting a variety of charity events and donating to many more. Footprints on the Green is a company-wide effort that encourages membership and staff to give back in fun, creative and, of course, meaningful ways. Many of these service programs are designed to be kid-friendly – because it’s never too soon to nurture a giving spirit.

“McConnell Golf is a family that wants to give and serve others. We help our children learn those values through service programs throughout the year,” says Kym Reed, Director of Fitness and Activities at Providence Country Club. “It is an honor to help our Providence Playhouse Kids understand what they have, and how much they can give to others, at every age.”

Activities that instill the spirit of philanthropy in young children help set the stage for their future. “They learn the importance of being able to help others who are less fortunate,” says Natalie Clemens, Corporate Director of Member Activities and Wellness. “They learn that whether we are helping our planet, people or animals, it’s a good feeling knowing that you can make a positive impact.”

Recent kid-centric charitable efforts at McConnell Golf have included: 

  • Polar Bear Plunge events at Wakefield Plantation and Porters Neck made a splash with January jump-in-the-pool fundraisers to protect polar bears via World Wildlife Fund. WWF’s mission is to conserve nature and reduce threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
  • Red Nose Day was filled with fitness-focused events at Wakefield Plantation and Providence. Red Nose’s mission is to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy and educated
  • Military Appreciation Events at McConnell clubs support active, retired and fallen military personnel and their families. Retired Army Lt. Colonel Tim Hoch and Navy Commander Scott Desmond spoke with children at Providence Country Club, who then assembled care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan and patients at their local VA hospital. The kids were excited to receive a “thank you” picture from the soldiers.
  • Summer Camp Projects at Sedgefield and Old North State gave kids plenty of opportunities to give back. They made cookies and thank-you cards for local firefighters; created blankets for Project Linus, a nonprofit that provides homemade blankets to children in need; built birdfeeders for use around the golf course; and expressed appreciation for staff by writing thank you notes and serving ice cream.