Veterans Memorial Foundation seeks donations for education programs

(Oct. 9, 2020) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation has announced the cancelation of its annual golf tournament. 

The tournament each year supports educational programs provided by the foundation and held at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines.  

Those programs include an annual tour of the memorial grounds and distribution of an educational booklet for children. Last year, more than 650 fifth graders from all Worcester County schools visited the site. 

Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore forwarded the following letter:  

Dear Veterans Memorial Supporters, 

Next month, on September 23, we should be holding our 14th annual golf tournament. After much consideration following meetings with Ocean Pines Golf Club and in consideration of County Health Department regulations, we came to the decision to cancel this year’s tournament due to the current Covid-19 health crisis. This decision was not made lightly. Golf tournaments cannot be conducted as we have done in the past. Shotgun starts are not permitted, banquets are not permitted, and participants must be spaced out at all times. It would certainly not be a fun experience for our golfers or volunteers. We want everyone to have a great time as they support our Educational Outreach Program. We will come back better than ever next year! 

The Veterans Memorial Foundation has, since its inception, enjoyed the support of many businesses in our area. Our sponsors and donors have provided monetary support and donations of many prizes for both our golfers and our silent auction. Those donations have provided us with the needed funds to execute our Educational Program for every 5th grade student in Worcester County. In 2019 more than 650 students visited the Memorial and were instructed by Veterans Memorial docents and JROTC students from three County High Schools. The annual golf tournament is the major fundraiser for this program. 

We are so very grateful for the past support of our local businesses and service organizations. This Covid-19 pandemic has hit local businesses very hard. We could not, in good conscience, ask them for donations this year. We have always put out tee signs for every business who supported us monetarily. We will, in gratitude of your past support, place tee signs at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on September 23. We are hoping that all local businesses that are struggling now, will emerge better than ever! We ask all our golfers and foundation members to support your local businesses. 

This is a difficult time for many. We ask, if it is still possible, please consider making a donation to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation so we can continue our Education program. Thank you for your consideration. 

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial or the foundation, visit www.opvets.org.