This past June, I became very discouraged about charity work that I've been involved with for the past 18 years. My confidence in people had slipped and I was ready to throw in the towel until July 28 came and rejuvenated my faith in people. On that date I was invited to attend the Paul McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament at Apple Hill Club in East Kingston, N.H. There, I met the most gracious and energetic Jean McGrath, mother of Paul.
Paul was 31 years old when he and his family went skiing at Attitash Mountain for Christmas in December 1998. After a tragic ski accident, Paul passed away on Christmas Day of that year.
One way his family decided to keep his memory alive was for many friends, schoolmates and family to organize the memorial tournament. The first fundraiser was held in June 1999.
Eighteen holes of golf are played by 36 teams with four or five golfers on each team. At least 168 golfers pay a fee each year to participate. Each hole has a posted sign that relates who is sponsoring that particular hole. I have never seen such comradeship among both female and male golfers. It absolutely poured "buckets" and everyone played the entire 18 holes! They were totally drenched, but arrived in from the soaked course laughing, joking and hungry.
Drivers in golf carts good-naturedly transported guests and players to and from the greens and parking lot.
A huge white canopy was set up in a lovely shaded area of the club. Friends, family members, Youth Hockey League volunteers, "hockey moms" and Paul's brother Troy (the announcer) ran raffles, served food (mostly donated), visited and greeted guests, and set up tables to allow everyone to sit, eat and enjoy each other's company. This was only the second time it had rained in eight years.
The wonderful heroes of Paul's "circle of family" are his mom Jean, dad Matt, brother Troy and his wife Sherrie, his sister, Erin, and her husband, Brett Burdick, plus lifelong friends.
Over an eight-year period, over $100,000 has been raised and donated to local youth hockey leagues, and a scholarship in the memory of Jeff Sanborn at the Amesbury High School plus local charities.
Six months before each yearly tournament, preparations for the next year's events are already started. Letters are sent to prospective players, sponsors and other participants. T-shirts are ordered, trophies made up and raffle prizes are bought. Jean, at one time, did a lot of cooking and still oversees the preparations, which start the Wednesday before each tournament at the Holy Apostle Peter and Paul Church in Haverhill.
Paul was 31 years old when he and his family went skiing at Attitash Mountain for Christmas in December 1998. After a tragic ski accident, Paul passed away on Christmas Day of that year.
One way his family decided to keep his memory alive was for many friends, schoolmates and family to organize the memorial tournament. The first fundraiser was held in June 1999.
Eighteen holes of golf are played by 36 teams with four or five golfers on each team. At least 168 golfers pay a fee each year to participate. Each hole has a posted sign that relates who is sponsoring that particular hole. I have never seen such comradeship among both female and male golfers. It absolutely poured "buckets" and everyone played the entire 18 holes! They were totally drenched, but arrived in from the soaked course laughing, joking and hungry.
Drivers in golf carts good-naturedly transported guests and players to and from the greens and parking lot.
A huge white canopy was set up in a lovely shaded area of the club. Friends, family members, Youth Hockey League volunteers, "hockey moms" and Paul's brother Troy (the announcer) ran raffles, served food (mostly donated), visited and greeted guests, and set up tables to allow everyone to sit, eat and enjoy each other's company. This was only the second time it had rained in eight years.
The wonderful heroes of Paul's "circle of family" are his mom Jean, dad Matt, brother Troy and his wife Sherrie, his sister, Erin, and her husband, Brett Burdick, plus lifelong friends.
Over an eight-year period, over $100,000 has been raised and donated to local youth hockey leagues, and a scholarship in the memory of Jeff Sanborn at the Amesbury High School plus local charities.
Six months before each yearly tournament, preparations for the next year's events are already started. Letters are sent to prospective players, sponsors and other participants. T-shirts are ordered, trophies made up and raffle prizes are bought. Jean, at one time, did a lot of cooking and still oversees the preparations, which start the Wednesday before each tournament at the Holy Apostle Peter and Paul Church in Haverhill.
Raffle prizes are donated from many sources including HBO, Red Sox, The Golf Pro Shop at the club, neighbors, businesses, hotels, restaurants, spas, etc. There is a Web site, www.paulmcgrathmemorial.org.
Jean's grandchildren now play hockey. It is a sport close to the family's hearts. Troy's family is pictured on this year's Attitash pamphlet enjoying the skiing and other activities. This family manages to have it all and share their time to put on this yearly undertaking because of their love for Paul. How refreshing and wonderful! I look forward to next year!
Sara Anne Eames lives in Newburyport.
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