Dialog reporter
CYM shoots a ‘24’ in its golf outings that help fund youth activities
CHRISTIANA – A relentless sun could not keep more than 100 men and women from teeing off at Cavaliers Country Club for the 24th annual Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) golf tournament on July 18. One of those starting at the first hole has been there from the beginning and is glad to be able to support young people in the diocese.
Tom Sweeney, 79, was there with longtime tournament partners Fran Trzuskowski and Jim Keegan. He said he hasn’t played as much golf recently as he normally does, but he was happy to be at Cavailers and to see so many new faces.
“It’s great to get the young people out,” he said.
Sweeney was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization board years ago when the idea of a golf tournament was born to help plug a funding gap from the United Way.
Bob Hopkins recalled hearing from his brother, longtime former youth ministry office director Msgr. John Hopkins, a quarter-century ago to get the tournament off the ground.
“He called me and said, ‘You need to help me,’” Hopkins said.
The two Hopkins brothers met, along with Joe McNesby and the late Joe Pennell, a CYO official, to plan the first event at Brantwood Golf Club in Elkton, Md. They called each of the Catholic high schools and asked them to bring a foursome.
“We raised $20,000 (the first year). In 24 years, we’ve raised over $1 million that’s gone to CYM programs,” Hopkins said.
Bishop Malooly was there to meet the participants and to offer a prayer before the shotgun start. The bishop, once an occasional duffer, said he declines to hit a ceremonial first shot “on the advice of my lawyers.” He said the players realize how important youth ministry is in the diocese.
“These are people who are involved with sports and lots of different things. We thank them for their generosity and their continued support,” he said.
“We’ve had a tremendous youth ministry in this diocese for a long time,” he told the golfers.
McNesby, who coordinates CYM athletics, said the proceeds are used to keep athletics and other events — such as the cross pilgrimage and the recognition dinner — affordable for everyone who wants to take part. The money also helps some of the Wilmington schools with expenses related to athletics.
The golf tournament is a lot of work, but dedicated sponsors and committee members help a great deal, McNesby said. This year, that help also came from 116 registered golfers.
“We’re happy with that. Since moving (to Cavaliers), it’s really worked out for us. It’s just an ideal venue for us,” he said.
There were plenty of incentives for the golfers to play well once they get on the fairways, including contests for longest drive, closest to the pin and straightest drive. Lunch and dinner were provided, and every golfer received a gift bag that included golf balls, tees and a towel.
The silent auction had a wide variety of items available. The six high schools in New Castle County provided gift baskets, and there were golf outings from numerous nearby courses. Several ticket packages were available for professional and college sports teams in the area, and, after a hot day on the course, there were two baskets of cheer waiting to be won.
