Helping others is the main focus of Partners for Pearland

     While there are many golf tournaments being held each year, with the majority advertised as fund raising events for some charitable cause, none could be as important as the annual tournament held in support of Partners for Pearland and their commitment in helping the children of Pearland who are in need of school supplies, books, and clothing when they start school.

     If you don't believe that, then just ask tournament chairman Mickey Owens and he will be happy to share his enthusiasm of this great cause that has become such a vital artery in the heart of this non-profit organization that has helped thousands of Pearland youngsters over the past ten years.
    "Partners for Pearland actually started in 1994 with Donnie Strouhal of Strouhal Tire and it evolved into a few local business owners and individuals who wanted to do something to help others," Owens said. "I became a part of the organization in 1997."
    In 1996, the organization was made aware of the number of children in Pearland who needed various items when they began the school year and that's when Partners for Pearland began using their funds to help meet these needs by joining hands with the Pearland Neighborhood Center.
    "We wanted to make sure that every child could begin the school year on the same level as other children whose parents were able to provide new clothes and all their school supplies," Owens said. "There is nothing more embarrassing than seeing an underprivileged child go to school and being ridiculed because they don't have the proper clothing or supplies. Partners for Pearland is committed to making sure that never happens."

     In the early years, Partners for Pearland hosted a Bowl-A-Thon that raised a few thousand dollars, but Owens and others members of the organization knew that golf tournaments brought in a lot more money and in 1998, Partners for Pearland Charity Golf Tournament was born. Since its birth, the tournament has become one of the largest charity golf tournaments in the area.
    The eighth annual tournament was held this past Friday and 144 golfers participated in the event. Owens doesn't have the final figures, but is confident that the tournament made over $20,000 profit for the second straight year. Over $180,000 has been raised the past eight years from this golf tournament.
    "We were totally booked three weeks prior to the tournament," Owens said. "I had a waiting list of players who wanted to play should someone drop out."
    Owens is quick to point out that such an event would not be possible without corporate sponsors and he praises the support Partners for Pearland has received from Strouhal Tire and Strickland Chevrolet as the major tournament underwriters.
    "A special thanks to O'Day Rental and Hardware for their support again this year," Owens added. " Also thanks goes to Casa Ole' owner Corky Tunrer for the delicious dinner following the golf tournament. They do a fabulous job."
    Of course, a golf tournament is only as successful as the number of volunteers who also give up their time to support a worthy event.
    "I don't know what we would do without the dozens of volunteers who take a day off work to come out to the golf course to help run the tournament," Owens said. "These people give up their time tirelessly to make sure that every need is met and they do so with a positive attitude."
    While Strouhal Tire, Strickland Chevrolet, and O'Day Rental and Hardware are major financial contributors, their benevolent example has sparked other businesses to get involved in the support of Partners for Pearland.
    "We had a record number of partner sponsors, patron sponsors, friend sponsors, hole sponsors, raffle buyers, auction donors, auction buyers and golfers," Owens said. "I also want to thank Wells Fargo Bank for contributing $2,000 as a Community Partner Grant and to Frost Bank for their $1,000 gift of love."
    Each golfer saw the names of those businesses and individuals at each tee box as there were signs on every golf hole letting them know those who were willing to get on board to help hundreds of children.
    "As each year progresses, there are others who seem to step up to offer invaluable help," Owens said. "One of those was Brett Upton of A-1 Storage. He was my right-hand guy this year. His help with this event covered so many areas that there are just too many to list off hand."
    While the children and their families may never know the names of those who helped purchase their books, school supplies, and clothes for the school year, the fact that they could start school like the rest of their classmates without being embarrassed is a tribute to Partners for Pearland and all who have been involved throughout the years.
    "This is a wonderful event and helps support so many children," said Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, who was present at the event.
    "We also want to make sure that those who participate in our golf tournament have a great time," Owens said.
    "The Pearland Neighborhood Center screens all applicants a month prior to the start of school and vouchers are issued to pay for the school supplies and clothes for those who qualify," Owens pointed out. "We have also been able to pay for those who want to get their GED. We pay for books and the test for those who want to complete that step of their education. We also have given $500 scholarships to those who want to attend Alvin Community College or the ACC campus in Pearland."
    "This has been more rewarding than any personal achievement I have ever accomplished in my life," Owens said. "I know that the other members of Partners for Pearland feel the same way."
    Those who are interested in becoming a member of Partners for Pearland may call Mickey Owens at 281-996-0700 and get the details on how you can also participate in meeting the needs of our young future leaders of America.