For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Rockland Education Foundation Hosts Annual Golf Tournament Benefiting Rockland Public Schools

ROCKLAND — Rockland Education Foundation (REF) President Regina Quirk is pleased to announce that the REF held its annual golf tournament fundraiser last week to benefit the Rockland Public Schools.

The 22nd Annual Ralph “Gus” Lordi Memorial Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 23, at Ridder Farm Golf Course in East Bridgewater. This year’s fundraiser was supported by 120 golfers, including current and former students, teachers, administrators and local business owners throughout the Rockland community.

This year’s tournament raised $26,000, which will be distributed this fall through the REF’s competitive grants process.

All proceeds from the tournament go directly to the REF—a nonprofit organization founded by Lordi, Richard Phelps and Scott MacKinlay—which provides grants to teachers and staff of Rockland Public Schools.

“Our greatest honor is being able to bring people from throughout our community together in support of Rockland’s kids,” REF President Quirk said. “The support we receive each year from local businesses, school personnel and friends of the foundation ends up benefitting students throughout the district, and we are grateful to all of them for making this year’s tournament so successful.”

The REF has raised $715,000 since it was formed and has awarded $612,000 in grants to Rockland teachers and staff, enabling them to go above and beyond to provide innovative academic approaches, activities and equipment to Rockland’s students.

“Much of the great work that our teachers continue to do would not be possible without the constant support of the REF,” Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron said. “Their hard work has allowed us to broaden our educational efforts in exciting ways, and I am thankful to everyone who continues to support that mission.”

Last year the REF awarded $44,000 in grants, including the $10,000 Scott MacKinlay Impact Grant in honor of former Rockland High School Principal and past REF President Scott MacKinlay. The MacKinlay grant was awarded to Lisa Ryan of the Rockland Public Schools, who purchased virtual reality goggles and Google Expeditions software that is now used districtwide.

MacKinlay attended this year’s tournament and luncheon that followed, where he was recognized for his contributions to the foundation since its inception.

Lordi’s family also participated and helped sponsor the event with Cape Cod Express, AW Perry and Arbella Insurance Co. Additionally, Steve Murphy of Atlantic Coffee was one of several to donate raffle prizes for the live auction and a photo of Tom Brady was raffled for the silent auction.

For more information about the REF or to see more photos from the tournament, click here.

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