by Shama Shams
Several months ago, REST received a call that every nonprofit loves to get—an invitation to be the beneficiary for a major fundraiser.
Sarah, from Birch Equipment, called and casually mentioned that REST had been selected to be one of the beneficiaries for the Birch Golf Classic—not just this year, but for the next three years. She continued to explain that this fundraiser typically raises between $50,000–100,000 for each of the three beneficiaries for that year.
We were stunned, encouraged, and excited. With a lot on the plate of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team as we approach our own major annual fundraiser, A Night of REST, it is astounding blessing to have a business approach us and say, “Here, you just spread the word, come, and have fun—and we’ll take care of the event.”
On September 8, REST’s Executive Director Amanda Hightower, Director of Philanthropy and Marketing Shama Shams and Board Chair Brent Turner joined REST Board Member Will Little, a Birch Golf Classic trailblazer, took a trip up to Bellingham to participate. The view was spectacular, the hospitality gracious, and the generosity incredible.
The next morning, the tournament teed off, and golfers put on an excellent show amidst perfect weather, and a spirit of celebration of joy.
At the end of the day, winners were announced, and Sarah presented REST with a check for $70,607—every dollar of which will go toward impacting the lives of victims and survivors of sexual exploitation.
Our heartfelt thanks to Birch Equiptment’s CEO and Owner Sarah Rothenbuhler. We can’t wait to return to Bellingham Golf and Country Club for next year’s Birch Golf Classic Tournament.
Learn more about Birch Golf Classic here
Learn more about Birch Equipment here
To learn more about REST or how you can host an event to increase awareness for sexually exploited individuals in our community, email Shama Shams, Director of Philanthropy and Marketing at shama@iwantrest.com.