Bruin Open golf event raises record $91,000 for scholarships

A record amount of more than $91,000 in scholarship money was raised for Kellogg Community College students at the annual Bruin Scholarship Open golf event on Friday, Sept. 7.

The annual fundraiser, now in its 15th year, continues to grow in terms of participation — 244 people played Friday — and the amount of scholarship money raised by players and sponsors. About $80,000 was raised in 2011.

Ginger Cutsinger, executive director of the Kellogg Community College Foundation and chief organizer of the event, said this year’s outing at Binder Park Golf Course was a tremendous success.

“It takes a ton of planning and an army of volunteers to put the Bruin Scholarship Open together, but it’s worth every ounce of energy because the money we raise helps local students go to college,” Cutsinger said.

Funds raised this year will pay for about 30 student scholarships.

“We’re especially grateful for our sponsors and players from across the area who donated money, prizes and time for the Bruin Scholarship Open,” Cutsinger said.

In addition to 18 holes of golf, players could enter contests on the course, including “longest drive” and “on the green,” and they could enter a raffle to win dozens of prizes, including a large-screen television, patio furniture and tablet computers.

Major sponsors of the event included CSM Group, Inc.; IBEW 445 LMMC; Current Electric; Motor Shop Electric Construction; Union Electric; Omni Facilities Service; Battle Creek Community Foundation, The Brickman Group, Schroeder DeGraw, PLLC; Schweitzer, Inc.; Skanska USA; and Worgess Insurance.

The winning teams of the 2012 Bruin Scholarship Open, by division and pictured above, were:

  • Men’s: Skanska USA, comprised by Kevin Carson, Jason Kopp, Terry Parrott and Tony Carson.
  • Mixed: A team comprised by Dennis Bona, Linda Morrison, Annette Devereaux and Chris Sargent.
  • Women’s: Ralston, comprised by Sue Norrod, Angie Hubbard, Theresa Johnson and Ann Marie Lemon.

View photo galleries featuring images from the Bruin Scholarship Open on the Kellogg Community College Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KelloggCommunityCollege/photos.