The 17th annual BIC Golf Classic to benefit the Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust Fund was held on Monday, July 14 at Mill River Country Club in Stratford.
The Milford Chamber Trust recognized Title Sponsor BIC Corporation and Tournament Sponsors, The Milford Bank, AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Colonial Toyota, Hurwitz, Sagarin, Slossberg & Knuff, Mountain Development Corporation, Milford Photo, Berchem, Moses & Devlin, Connoisseur Radio, Devon Rotary, Carveth & Foley, Attorneys at Law, and W.B. Mason.
“We are truly blessed. The generosity of our guests is absolutely amazing. The support of all of our sponsors and the dedication of all our volunteers is what makes this event such a success,” said Darryl Zebrowski, chairman of the Milford Chamber Trust. “We are fortunate to be able to continue supporting the Milford community.”
The event included golfer appreciation gifts for all registered players, cold beverages provided on-course with a full grilled lunch at the turn, and many great on-course contests, including an auto hole-in-one. After the day of golf, participants convened in the banquet room for cocktail hour and a full course dinner. The evening also included door prizes and a silent auction along with a live auction MC'd by Anna from Star 99.9.
First place winners of the 2014 BIC Golf Classic were foursome Bob Kiley of Hacienda Storage, along with Jim Ek, Tommy Moran and Kevin Moore.
The BIC Golf Classic began in 1997 at the Golf Course at Yale. Approximately $12,500 was raised with 70 golfers. The tournament grew in 2002 when it was moved to Mill River Country Club in Stratford and now averages over 100 golfers raising approximately $30,000 for the Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust’s scholarship fund.
BIC Corporation is the major tournament sponsor, and has been from the beginning. Ken Brannin, then VP of production with Bic, along with Kathy Alagno, Milford Chamber President, started the Bic Golf Classic in 1997. The tournament was started to benefit the Milford Chamber Trust which, at the time, was funding one $500 college scholarship. That number grew to $7,500 in year 2000 and now raises over $20,000 every year supporting multiple Milford charitable purposes.
The Milford Chamber of Commerce Trust Fund was founded in 1981 for educational, charitable, scientific and literary purposes and is administered by the Milford Chamber of Commerce, Inc. The “Chamber Trust” is a nonprofit (501C-3). The Board of Trustees is comprised of Past Presidents/Chairpersons of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Over the past 20 years the Chamber Trust has provided funding for multiple charitable purposes including humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters through such groups as the United Way of Milford, American Red Cross, Beth-El Shelter, Rotary Foundation and Sandy Hook Fund.
To date, the Chamber Trust has encouraged and fostered educational goals by awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to area youth, as well as providing mini-grants to students in the Milford school system.
The mission of the Milford Chamber of Commerce, as the clearinghouse for business, is to enhance business opportunity, empower its members and influence positive economic growth. For more information contact: Kathy Alagno, President & CEO at 203-878-0681 or e-mail kalagno@milfordct.com.