Submitted by Whatcom Dream
Designed to connect business and community, the Birch Golf Classic pro- am charity golf tournament, held each September at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, raises money for integral nonprofit organizations working to transition vulnerable people off the streets, and onto better pathways. Whatcom Dream, along with two other regional nonprofits, will be recipients of the funds raised during the 2023 event for the third year in a row. This year, the Birch Golf Classic is working to raise $300,000.00 which will be equally distributed among the recipient organizations.
Whatcom Dream feels fortunate to have been chosen, knowing there are a number of other worthy causes who could also use these much-needed funds.
“In addition to helping keep our community Financial Empowerment Classes free of charge, this partnership with Birch Golf Classic has provided an opportunity for us to grow and develop as an organization,” says Executive Director Trudy Shuravloff. “We’ve met local business owners and community members that we will continue to have ongoing relationships with beyond 2023.”
The Pro-Am format is a streamlined 5-hour, 5-person scramble that is composed of a diverse melting pot of community members, businesses, and Trailblazers. Trailblazers are selected for their strong ties and significant impact to the Pacific Northwest. Trailblazers are the teams’ fifth-person Pro and they are paired with unique prizes that are often not available for purchase. These prizes are donated by sponsors, businesses and Birch Equipment.
Sarah Rothenbuhler, Birch Equipment owner and tournament co-founder, is passionate about giving back.
“The Birch Golf Classic is a labor of love created to accomplish two things: To shine a light on and raise money for organizations who help transition people off the streets and on to better, more independent pathways, and to connect and reconnect our amazing and diverse businesses and community members,” she says. “We hear from many that this is the best attended tournament! There are so many good people who show up to help make a difference in our community.”
Birch Equipment designed the fundraising part of the event to happen online prior to the date of the golf tournament. Teams compete against each other to raise the most money and the public also donates to help meet the overall fundraising goal. This year’s fundraising competition ends at 2 p.m. on August 30th.
Birch Equipment underwrites the event costs so that 100% of the proceeds raised go directly to charity. So far, the Birch Golf Classic has raised nearly $2 million dollars! To help meet the fundraising goal and to support Whatcom Dream during the 9th annual Birch Golf Classic, please visit www.birchgolfclassic.com.
About Whatcom Dream
For over 20 years, Whatcom Dream has helped people reach their financial goals through improved understanding of the fundamentals of money and finance. Their community Financial Empowerment Classes are offered free of charge to the general public and help underserved individuals become more self-sufficient, reduce their dependence on governmental/community assistance programs, and reach personal, professional and financial goals. They offer classes for Adults, Teens, and Seniors throughout the year. To learn more, visit https://www.thewhatcomdream.org.
About Birch Golf Classic
The Birch Golf Classic is one of the largest, pro-am charity golf tournaments in Washington State. The event is committed to bringing businesses, social service representatives and celebrities together to raise funds for organizations working to help people off of the streets and on to better pathways. The BGC works alongside chosen charity organizations for three years in a row to make a bigger impact with their giving. 100% of the costs to produce the event are underwritten by Birch Equipment so that every sponsorship and donated dollar is given directly to charity. For more information visit https://www.birchgolfclassic.com.
About Birch Equipment
This woman-owned organization virtually rose from the ashes after nearly going broke in the mid-90s to become the 76th largest equipment rental and sales company in the United States. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington with locations throughout Washington and Alaska, Birch Equipment is a “David” successfully competing against the billion-dollar “Goliaths” of the rental industry. With one of the largest top-line fleets, sophisticated maintenance systems and proprietary rental and utilization software, Birch Equipment is a regular recipient of Washington State’s Best Place to Work and among the Largest Community Giving organizations in Washington State. For more information visit https://www.birchequipment.com.
