ORLANDO, Fla. – The International Network of Golf (ING) presented Holly Geoghegan (“Holly G”) the
Chi Chi Rodriguez Humanitarian Award May 23, 2017 during its 27th Annual Spring Conference at the World Golf Village/World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla.
Geoghegan is the host and producer of the award-winning radio show “The Golf Insiders” on FM96.9 The Game in Orlando and streamed digitally on iHeartRadio and Facebook Live. She is also founder and president of Golf Marketing Services, Inc.
The award, last given out in 2013, recognizes a company or individual whose efforts have led to the betterment of society. Geoghegan was recognized for her efforts in co-founding GOLFUNITED, a philanthropic golf organization, and for her leadership in organizing and staging GOLFUNITED Fore PULSE, a major fund-raising event in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting, which took place in Orlando June 12, 2016.
The tournament, organized within weeks of the shooting, raised more than $36,000 for the OneOrlando and Pulse of Orlando funds benefiting the 49 killed, 53 injured and their families impacted by the tragedy. The Pulse shooting marked the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since the events of September 11, 2001. The funds raised assisted with the immediate and short-term needs of the victims involved.
In a combined act of generosity, Grand Cypress Golf Club donated the golf course fees and the Villas of Grand Cypress donated the hospitality. Local and national golf companies along with other businesses and individuals provided in-kind services, silent auction items, and other donations. Golfers came from as far as Salt Lake City, Utah to play in the event.
“The Pulse tragedy shocked the entire world,” Geoghegan remarked in her acceptance speech. “For Central Floridians, it was especially hard to bear since it happened in our own backyard and the home of Disney World, ‘the happiest place on Earth’,” she added.
GOLFUNITED was formed by a small, unstoppable group of local golf industry people who rallied together and wanted to make a difference. “I’m honored to accept the award on behalf of our committee and all who were involved in the event,” Geoghegan continued. “Giving back to charitable causes is one of the truly special aspects of our sport.”
The ING Spring Conference is an annual gathering of golf media and industry executives conducted by the non-profit, media-based International Network of Golf. This year more than 130 people attended the event, which featured: educational workshops, panels and guest speakers including Dave Pelz, renowned short game instructor; and Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation.
ABOUT GOLFUNITED
GOLFUNITED’s mission moving forward is to continue to host and organize one-day charitable golf events to support diversity, worthy causes, individuals, and communities in need. The founding members of GOLFUNITED are Holly Geoghegan, Mary Dees, Robert Scott, Paula Keyes, Will Perry and Josh Broeker. For more information contact Holly G. at 321-303-9684.
Contact:
Irlianna Samsara
Public Relations Manager
Golf Marketing Services, Inc.
irlianna@golfmarketinginc.com
www.golfmarketinginc.com
