Every fall, we host an annual golf tournament to raise money to support the work we do with Durham families. This year the Exchange Family Center's Annual Golf Tournament turns 50! We’re proud of reaching this milestone.
Once again, Golfers will meet at The Crossings Golf Club on Friday, September 27th, 2019 to play in a fun, friendly tournament for a great cause. It’s hard to believe our founders - The Exchange Club of Greater Durham - have been working to strengthen families and prevent child abuse through this event for 50 years. It’s a true testament to their service and commitment to the community where we all live and work!
Since this is the 50th anniversary of the golf tournament, we thought we’d take the opportunity to share a little bit about the history of our founders to show our love and gratitude. Thank you Exchange Club! Join this amazing club today.
The Exchange Club of Greater Durham: A History of Service
The Exchange Club of Greater Durham is our local chapter of the National Exchange Club. Charles A. Berkey, a jeweler by trade, is credited with the founding of the national organization. He was an active member of the club until his death in 1942. The name “Exchange” was chosen because the group wanted to be known for exchanging ideas and information about how to better serve their local communities.
This organization has a long history of philanthropic service. The first local Exchange Club was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1911 and the National Exchange Club was organized as a nonprofit in 1917. From that first handful of members, Exchange has developed into a progressive organization of thousands of local chapters around the country with members who are passionate about making a difference in their local communities.
Local Exchange Clubs, like those in the Triangle, sponsor activities, including EFC’s golf tournament, under the umbrella of the national organization’s Programs of Service. Since 1979, the Exchange Club has made the prevention of child abuse their National Project, so our mission at EFC aligns with that of the larger organization.
To fulfill and uphold its National Project, Exchange provides a variety of public awareness materials to educate the public about how to prevent child abuse. One of the main aims of Exchange Clubs around the country is to support experts in child development as they work directly with local families in need.
The Exchange Club of Greater Durham meets weekly on Thursdays during lunch. If you’re interested in getting involved as a member, please contact the Exchange Club directly.
What’s the Impact of the Golf Tournament?
Proceeds from our annual golf tournament and biggest fundraiser go toward moving more Durham county families off of our waitlist and providing positive experiences for more children and families in our area. At the Exchange Family Center, we make children’s lives better by strengthening families, teachers, and communities.
Our counseling, coaching, and training programs help children (from birth to 17 years old) develop resilience and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in a supportive and safe environment. All of our services are offered free of charge --- in both English and Spanish.
Obviously, we need to work hard to raise the funds to continue to deliver these programs. In previous years, we’ve raised as much as $50,000 through our annual fundraising events and through such generous gifts, our child development professionals are able to touch the lives of hundreds of Durham families each year.
One of the biggest draws to the golf tournament is the raffle and door prizes and this year. Courtesy of our amazing local and non-local sponsors, some lucky participants will win exclusive island resort stays compliments of Elite Island Resorts and someone will win a new car compliments of Auto Finders, Inc. In addition, there are many more prizes up for grabs.
It’s not too late to join us. We still have room for four-person golf teams and individual golfers. And of course, we’ll gladly accept more volunteers. If you’re interested in helping us out please reach out. We hope to see you there!
Here are all the details:
WHAT: The Exchange Family Center’s Annual Golf Tournament
WHERE: The Crossings Golf Club, 4023 Wake Forest Highway, Durham, NC
WHEN: Friday, September 27th, 2019
REGISTRATION: 8-8:50am
SHOTGUN START: 9:00am
The tournament will be followed by a complimentary breakfast and lunch, as well as other refreshments.
If you would like more information about the golf tournament or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Calvin at (919) 321-0657 or at calvinb@exchangefamilycenter.org.
Will you help us make this year’s Exchange Family Center’s Golf Tournament a success so that we can reach more local families?