Friendly competition and giving back to the community. That’s always a winning combo. Throw in some putt-putt, and you’ve got the Generation Morgantown and United Way Emerging Leaders Mini-Golf Tournament.
Teams of four will compete for a good cause on June 27 at Morgantown Miniature Golf. Slots are available between 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and it only costs $40 per team. Teams get 18 holes of mini-golf and lunch from Homegrown Pizza. Sign up at tiny.cc/minigolftournament.
The event is something Jaime Williams, the events chair for Generation Morgantown, said showcases the goal of Generation Morgantown and the spirit of partnership between the organization and United Way of Mon and Preston Counties’ affinity group Emerging Leaders.
Generation Morgantown has always made philanthropy one of its top objectives. The group has done fundraisers for Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, Wesley United Methodist Church Thanksgiving baskets, West Virginia Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge and American Red Cross blood drives, and sponsored local families for Christmas.
“We recently came in second place for Tucker’s Treasures treasure hunt and donated our winnings to the United Way,” Jaime said. “After a conversation with them, we realized how much they do for the community and how serious the need is now. That led to a partnership for our second annual mini-golf tournament. We are splitting the proceeds and hope for a big turnout.”
United Way of Mon and Preston Counties funds 39 programs at 26 agencies in both counties, as well as works on internal programming, such as the Helpful Harvest Food Program, WV211 hotline and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. United Way’s Emerging Leaders group is similar to Generation Morgantown in that they both encourage young professionals to get involved with the community, build friendships and give back however they can.
“The mission of Generation Morgantown ‘Genmo’ is retaining young people in the Mountain State, and we follow the formula of work, live, give,” Jaime said. “Everything we do as a chapter either meets the objective of helping expand work opportunities, learning about new businesses, group activities and building friendships, or giving back to the community we so love.”
Servando Arredondo, engagement manager with the United Way, said it was natural to partner with Generation Morgantown for this event.
“We align with so many of Genmo’s missions and goals, especially networking and keeping young people engaged and interested in what’s going on in West Virginia,” he said. “Emerging Leaders are people who are 18-40 years old and donate $250 or more a year to our United Way. They are also a group that believes wholeheartedly in giving back, and whether it’s cleaning up the rail-trail, collecting dental items for charity, or organizing a fundraising event, they are invested in this community.”
The two groups will split the proceeds from the mini-golf tournament, and Jaime said they hope to raise at least $2,000.
“Philanthropy is an important part of what we do because while work, live, give is part of the mission, the ‘give’ aspect is what makes Morgantown better and makes people want to stay here for work and to live,” she said. “We hope to see everyone at the event!”
If you want to sign up for the mini-golf tournament, visit tiny.cc/minigolftournament.
For more information on United Way’s Emerging Leaders, visit unitedwaympc.org/emergingleaders. For more information about Generation Morgantown, visit morgantown.generationwv.org/.
Amanda Posey is the director of marketing and communications for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. She can be reached at amanda@unitedwaympc.org.
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