Golfing for a Good Cause

Besides fun in the sun for 18 holes of golf, participants in the 14th annual Malcolm Maxwell Golf Classic raised over $50,000 for PUC student scholarships.

Teams of four, including a team of PUC students, spent a full day at the Napa Valley Country Club enjoying a round of golf and dinner with friends with all proceeds from the event going to help support quality Christian education in the Napa Valley.

The involvement from the local community this year was unprecedented. Besides entry fees, local businesses provided significant financial support for the tournament. Union Bank of California gave $5,000 towards the event and many other local companies and business people donated not only money, but prizes for a raffle and auction (including a vacation to Cabo San Lucas and a yacht trip).

Pam Sadler, vice president for advancement at PUC, feels the participation from the local community speaks volumes. “More than anything, the involvement made it evident to me that this community believes in what we are doing,” Sadler said. “They do believe that PUC is making a difference.”

In addition to raising money to assist students at PUC, Sadler feels that the tournament also helps PUC have a presence in the community. “It was a big deal that the community just affirmed PUC with $50,000 towards Christian education,” Sadler said. “But it’s an even bigger deal that we had a presence in the community. We’re starting to bridge that gap between the hill and the rest of the valley.”

Sadler hopes that students realize what a great gift of affirmation the local community gave PUC with such tremendous support. She wants to tell students, “As you drive through the vineyards, know that the people who own those vineyards care about your education at PUC.”

Sadler says that the Malcolm Maxwell Golf Classic board, which is chaired by St. Helena Mayor Del Britton, has high hopes for the future. “It was a great success, and I’d like the local community to know how truly grateful we are for their support,” Sadler said. “We’re just starting though. The board is determined to make this event the premier golf tournament in the Napa Valley and raise even more money for student scholarships.”

The golf tournament began in 1992 to raise money for student scholarships and was renamed the Malcolm Maxwell Golf Classic in 2001 in honor of Dr. Malcolm Maxwell, who served as the president of PUC for 18 years before retiring.