Handy Mart-MOC tournament this weekend
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on May 4, 2006 1:46 PM
MOUNT OLIVE - The 20th annual Handy Mart/Mount Olive College Invitational Golf Tournament, which provides more money for scholarships, will be held this weekend.
The tournament has raised more than $1.4 million and has awarded 432 scholarships to deserving students since its humble beginnings in 1987. It was begun in 1987 as a fundraiser to gain increased financial support for athletic scholarships in order for Mount Olive College to seek affiliation with the Carolinas Virginia Athletics Conference. The first year, 31 sponsors participated in the tournament, organized by E. J. Pope and Son, Inc. It raised $25,715.
In 1990, Buddy and Judson set-up an endowment fund with part of the tournament proceeds going to the fund and the balance going to active athletic and presidential scholarships. The first business scholarship was awarded in 1991.
This year's scholarship winners are James "Patrick" Pittman of Pine Level and Mari Hatcher of Albertson. Both will receive $8,000 per year.
Pittman, a sophomore business management major, is the son of Ann and Phil Pittman. He is a member of Phi Beta Lambda and recently placed second in Statistical Analysis and eighth in Accounting Principles at the State PBL competition. Pittman will represent Mount Olive College at the nationals in Tennessee this June.
Hatcher, an accounting major, is the daughter of Natalie Hatcher. She serves as treasurer of the MOC chapter of Phi Beta Lambda and recently placed fourth in Accounting Principles and third in Statistical Analysis at the State PBL Competition.
The tournament starts off with a reception for the sponsors on Friday night at Walnut Creek Country Club. The tournament players tee off on Saturday at Southern Wayne Golf Course, and enjoy a buffet and dance on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the golfers are treated to hotdogs served by Handy Mart volunteers. E. J. Pope and Son, Inc. underwrites expenses not covered by the players' entry fees.