Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents rewarded for charitable deeds

The Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (ESAGCS) has been named the first recipient of the “Heart of the Cup” Volunteer Golf Organization of the Year Award, award host Special Olympics Maryland announced this week. Arnold Palmer will present the inaugural award to the association at a charity dinner May 25, also featuring an appearance by broadcaster Jim Nantz, who will host a discussion with Palmer.

Special Olympics Maryland stated in a release that it chose the ESAGCS as its “Heart of the Cup” recipient based on the association’s commitment to community and the environment and its funding of industry research. “ESAGCS’ commitment to making their communities a better place to live surfaced again and again and again as the selection committee evaluated the nominees,” stated Tom Schniedwind, Special Olympics Maryland executive vice president of Sports Marketing. “What continuously jumped out and set this organization apart was the community service ethos that is evident on a year-round, long-term basis.”

In making its decision, Special Olympics of Maryland cited ESAGCS’s annual golf tournament, which, since its inception 15 years ago, has raised more than $100,000 for the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea in Ocean City, Md. ESAGCS also funds student scholarships, contributes to Wounded Warriors–a charity benefiting wounded service men and women–and helps members in need. Most recently, the association raised $3,000 to defray medical costs for a golf course superintendent’s seriously injured son.