The theme for this year’s Stanley’s Tavern Golf Classic presented by PRO Physical Therapy is phrased appropriately: “Thanks a Million.”
That’s because this year—the event’s 25th—the total raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware will surpass the $1 million mark.
“We’ve grown it quite a bit over the years,” says Jim Logullo, the tournament’s chair and vice president of resource development with the Boys & Girls Clubs. “This event just gets stronger thanks to sponsors and volunteers.”
Stanley’s Tavern owner Steve Torpey became involved in 1996, the year the tournament’s site, Hartefeld National Golf Course, opened, and the event has borne the popular North Wilmington sports bar’s name ever since.
“It’s for the kids and everybody loves kids,” says Torpey. “And it’s also local. We can see what it’s doing right here in the community. It’s exciting for me and the staff to be involved with such a great organization.”
The growth of the live and silent auctions has been a key to the tournament’s success, Logullo says. A committee of a dozen or so volunteers handles sponsorships while another committee focuses on the auctions.
“Volunteers play an important role in the tournament and on our boards,” Logullo says. “Without them, we couldn’t be doing the job we’re doing in our clubs with our kids.”
The tournament typically fields 124 golfers that play in groups of six. The diverse group includes B&G Clubs alumni and local businesspeople.
“We have people coming back year after year,” Logullo says. “How could you not want to participate when it benefits children?”
This year’s tournament is scheduled for June 7 at Hartefeld.
—Drew Ostroski
