RALEIGH, NC – August 23, 2023 – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation successfully hosted the annual Future of Hospitality Golf Classic, presented by US Foods, at Cary’s prestigious Prestonwood Country Club on August 21.
Golf enthusiasts and hospitality industry leaders converged on the Meadows course, spanning over 7,000 challenging yards, as 23 teams competed for a cause.
In a day marked by camaraderie and competition, the winning team, comprising Bob Dontino, James Bailey, Blake Jennings, and Courtney Humphrey, emerged triumphant with a collective score of 51.
Beyond the greens, the true victor was North Carolina’s hospitality sector. The event not only exceeded its goal of raising $71,000 but also rallied support for the NCRLA Foundation. The NCRLA Foundation is committed to fortifying the industry’s workforce through scholarships, school-to-career initiatives, and professional development.
Food and beverage tents, interactive contests, and an awards luncheon enriched the golfing experience, fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment and contribution. The resounding success was made possible by the support of sponsors, volunteers, and participants.
US Foods, Ecolab, HWY 55, and Golden Corral led the charge as our Presenting and Eagle sponsors. Prestonwood Country Club graciously hosted the event, bringing together industry professionals to champion the future of hospitality education in North Carolina.
The day epitomized dedication to fostering leaders in the hospitality domain. The event’s proceeds contribute to student scholarships, ProStart programs, and vital hospitality educational initiatives statewide.
First Place Team
- Bob Dontino (DIRECTV)
- James Bailey (Lee & Associates)
- Blake Jennings (Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN)
- Courtney Humphrey (Opex Technologies)
Second Place Team
- Phil Hunt (Tri-Arc Foods Inc.)
- Scott Alphin (Global BioProtect LLC.)
- BJ Bartel (Tri-Arc Foods Inc.)
- Tim Reynolds (DHW CPAs)
Third Place Team
- Chris Strickland (ALSCO)
- Eric Cua (ALSCO)
- Freddie Morton (ALSCO)
- Rick Etheridge (ALSCO)
View photos from the event here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yLHz8XtUWszbwrBy8
Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Presenting: US Foods
Eagle: Ecolab | Golden Corral | HWY 55
Birdie: ARRIS Hospitality | Big Ed’s Restaurant | Biscuitville | Bojangles | Drum & Quill | Employers | Pinehurst Resort | SpotOn
Energy: Duke Energy
Donor: DoorDash | Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Beverage Cart: LM Restaurants | Midwood Smokehouse
Tee & Green Sponsors: Angus Barn | Bella Monica | BM Roofing Contractors | Carolina Brewery | Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority | Cheerwine | Cook’s Mill Whiskey | County Road Seafood, LLC. | Cranfill Sumner, LLP. | EZ Brew | Johnson & Wales University | Kellogg’s | Largemouth Communications | Lonerider Spirits | Long Beverage | Night Owl National Stoneworks | Pepsi Bottling Ventures | Poppyseed Market | Prestige Gaming Solutions, LLC. | Raleigh Marriott City Center | Relay | Shelton Vineyards | Southern Distilling Co. | SpotOn | Sutler’s Spirit Co. | Taziki’s Mediterranean | The Seals | Utility Management Services | Visit Winston Salem
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About NCRLA Foundation
The NCRLA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, helping to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The Foundation works to attract, develop, and retain a career-oriented professional workforce for the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit: https://www.ncrla.org/foundation.
NCRLA Foundation awards scholarships in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. For more information, please visit www.nraef.org.
