A Golf Scramble for Service

When the Triangle Golf Challenge first teed off 12 years ago in 2003, the event initially supported families transitioning from welfare to work and from public housing to private housing. Since that first incarnation, the Triangle Golf Challenge has evolved into a regional event that celebrates and supports community organizations like Communities In Schools (CIS) of Durham.

In its twelfth year, the Triangle Golf Challenge donated a portion of the proceeds to Communities In Schools of Durham on June 12th, 2015. This is the second anniversary that the charity event included CIS of Durham into its recipients list and the organization is grateful for its inclusion and support.

“It became a labor of love,” says Sherrod Bank, founder of The Banks Foundation that puts on the tournament and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for CIS of Durham. “I conceived of the Triangle Golf Challenge after I learned to play golf at a late age and was looking for a fundraiser for my foundation.”

Held once a year, the Triangle Golf Challenge raises money for the Banks Foundation as well as CIS. Golfers of all skill levels compete and pay to play in a two-person scramble format where team members pick the placement of the ball and play from that location.

“It's all about service,” Banks says. This year, the Triangle Golf Challenge had 88 golfers and 20 volunteers come out to support both the Banks Foundation and CIS of Durham.

The event includes a wide array of supporters and celebrities. This year, celebrity hosts included former basketball players Christopher Corchiani, Walter Davis and Levelle Moton.

The Triangle Golf Challenge also included a silent auction for a variety of times including signed merchandise from celebrity guests.

With the support of the Triangle Golf Challenge and a passionate Board Member, CIS of Durham is continuing to deepen its support of students and their families with resources they need to succeed—in school and in life. This year's proceeds will go toward the upcoming school year, during which CIS will serve more than 5,000 students.

“I support CIS because it helps kids overcome environmental barriers to their success in school and therefore in life,” Banks says.