Spring Break
Third annual Drew Steele-Skip Holtz Golf Classic held
Event raises money for a great cause
Natalie Jurgen
Issue date: 6/4/08 Section: News
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Golf Classic was held.
The goal of the event was to "develop relationships with the community and raise financial support for The Special Populations of Pitt County and the Drew Steele Endowment Fund," according to the event's Web site.
The event was kicked off by a dinner at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Greenville Convention Center served by Beef Barn, Chef 505, Christine's, Finelli's and Logan's Roadhouse.
Following the dinner, an auction was held showcasing items like tickets to the Daytona 500, a dinner and beverage cruise, WITN sports anchor for a night and a private jet to central Florida.
Nearly 1,500 guests attended Sunday evening's events.
Guests were also able to enter a raffle with prizes consisting of Drew's Lazy Boy recliner, a four-day cruise for two to Mexico or the Bahamas and two 42-inch flat screen TV's.
On Monday, the 18-hole four man Captain's Choice golf match began with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start at Ironwood Golf and Country Club and the Greenville Country Club.
The goal for this year's event was to raise $500,000. Exact numbers are still unavailable, but with the community's participation on Sunday evening, it is believed that goal was reached.
With that mark met, it will be possible to apply for grants, break ground on the Drew Steele Center and donate to the Drew Steele Foundation.
Holtz and Steele first met at a Special Olympics fund-raising golf tournament at Bradford Creek Golf Club in Greenville. Steele, son of a former ECU basketball coach, was a competitor at the Special Olympics.
"I went out there with a bad attitude," said Holtz, ECU's head football coach. "I had just taken over this program and I had a million things to do. I went out there and it was cold and windy and I ended up playing golf with Drew and Mike. Seeing how positive Drew was I realized that I needed to change my attitude."
Steele had such an impact on Holtz that he wanted to share his great attitude with his football team.
"I was so impressed with Drew's attitude...what a positive young man he is," Holtz said. "I told him that I wanted him to come speak to our football team. Changing attitude was what that year was all about for our football team. We have so many reasons to be negative in this world today and when you look at a young man like Drew Steele, it is very motivational."
Skip Holtz and his football team aren't the only ones who have been affected by Steele.
"What he has taught us about life has been a privilege," said Holtz's wife, Jennifer Holtz.
The DSSH Golf Classic was also a great way for ECU students to get involved.
An e-mail was sent to all Pirate Club members to volunteer their time at this important event.
Student volunteer turnout was high and many of the same students who came out last year volunteered at the event again.
"I will be connected to these kids for the rest of my life," Jennifer Holtz said. "These students are extremely selfless and to see students be unselfish with their time also gives me hope about the future of our country and I would like to show my humility and gratitude to the students at ECU."
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 2
You guessed it
posted 6/04/08 @ 4:27 AM EST
Wow that isn't a very nice picture to go along with this story, maybe TEC should consider publishing completely horrible photos with every article. This is almost plain mean. (Continued…)
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