CCA’S 18th Annual Chairman's Charity Golf Classic Supports Middle Tennessee Organizations
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) for the 18th year raised funds for local charities through its Annual Chairman’s Charity Golf Classic, which was held Oct. 1 at Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, Tenn.
“It’s an opportunity for CCA to come together with our friends and partners for a day with a changed focus – helping others,” said Bart VerHulst, tournament chairman and CCA vice president, Federal and Local Customer Relations. “It’s important to remember and support the community we live and work in, and we accomplish that through the generous support of many.”
Last year, tournament proceeds benefitted eight non-profit organizations, many of which serve former offenders and families impacted by incarceration. This year, the roster has expanded to 14 charities: Aphesis House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, CASA, Inc., Leaving the Cocoon, Magdalene, Men of Valor’s Jericho Project, Mending Hearts, Miriam’s Promise, Project Return, The Next Door, You Have the Power and Youth Encouragement Services, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and CCA’s own CCAssist Fund, an employee-supported fund that helps colleagues in the event of unexpected crises.
“We know that very deserving and important programs in the community are dealing with an extremely tough environment because of the recession,” said Damon Hininger, CCA president and COO. “It’s overwhelming to see our vendors, suppliers and partners step up in such a tough fiscal environment.”
Leaving the Cocoon, which provides counseling and mentoring for incarcerated women and ex-offenders, is a first-time beneficiary of the tournament.
“Being a part of this means everything to us,” said Vicki Harvey, founder and executive director of Leaving the Cocoon. “We’re a tiny fish in the big pond of non-profits, so we’re honored CCA would choose us. To a large extent, CCA’s funding helps to make our counseling services possible.”
The tournament welcomed 271 non-professional golfers from 26 different states and 91 companies across the country. Proceeds reached over $220,000, with $124,000 allocated directly to the selected charities.
“We raised more money than we thought, and we were able to allocate an extra $40,000 to the charities,” VerHulst said.
Checks were presented to charity representatives at a banquet following the tournament.
“I’ve had the privilege of being a part of this event for a decade, and I’ve watched it grow,” said John Sammons, CEO of Mid-State Services, Inc. “Because of the importance of this event to the Nashville area and the generosity of CCA, it’s been a joy for me to encourage others to participate in the tournament.”
Additional event photos are available upon request.
About CCA
CCA is the nation’s largest owner and operator of government-contracted correctional and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States, behind only the federal government and three states. CCA operates 65 facilities, including 40 company-owned facilities, with a capacity of approximately 86,500 beds, in 19 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to providing the fundamental residential services relating to inmates, our facilities offer a variety of rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment. To learn more about CCA, visit www.correctionscorp.com and online news site www.insidecca.com.
