Golf Classic 2023: A Day of Community, Connections, and Commitment

Golf Classic 2023: A Day of Community, Connections, and Commitment

On a picturesque day, June 12, 2023, 107 players gathered at the Watertown Country Club for the Maranatha Golf Classic, a highly anticipated event attended by community members, business leaders, and Maranatha faculty, staff, and alumni. With perfect weather setting the stage, the event fostered connections, strengthened relationships, and left a lasting impact on sponsors, donors, and participants.

Community Impact and Business Connections

“Every year I have sponsored the golf event, I have made at least one new business connection with an individual or a local business that would not have happened without sponsoring the golf event,” stated Michael Dean II, Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. Dean emphasized the value of these relationships, which not only benefit his business but also allow him to support others. He shared, “I believe the Lord placed me in business for many reasons. One specific reason is to financially support the great commission – aside from your local church, what better way is there than supporting an institution whose mission is to train leaders for the great commission?”

Supporting the Community and Building Relationships

Jon Lange, CEO of Glacial Community YMCA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to the community through participation in key functions like the Maranatha Golf Classic. “We believe in supporting our community and being a part of key functions. This is one way we can do that. Additionally, it has been a great way for our board members to deepen their relationships with each other and in Watertown.,” Lange explained. The Maranatha Golf Classic served as a platform for fostering unity, camaraderie, and collaborative engagement.

Enhanced Visibility and Interaction

Mark Wierman, President of Ixonia Bank, recognized the value of sponsoring the Golf Classic in terms of visibility and engagement with the community. “Ixonia Bank’s sponsorship provided excellent visibility in the Watertown and surrounding communities,” Wierman explained. As the largest bank in Watertown, they appreciated the opportunity to interact with both customers and non-customers on the golf course, strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones.

Supporting Brands and Impactful Institutions

Beckie Manley, Founder & CEO of Fierce Strategy + Creative, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the Maranatha Golf Classic. “We are happy to support brands we love and to bring something special to the people who participate in this event,” Manley stated. She emphasized her appreciation for Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) and the positive impact the institution has on the world. Aligning with MBU’s mission was a significant motivation for their sponsorship.

Enjoyment and Appreciation

Sponsors and donors praised the Maranatha Golf Classic for its exceptional organization and enjoyable experience. Lange highlighted the friendly atmosphere and the presence of volunteers serving delicious food throughout the course. Wierman applauded the immaculate condition of the golf course and the excellent quality of the food provided. Additionally, the event’s adherence to the schedule was appreciated, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

The Maranatha Golf Classic held on June 12, 2023, brought together the Watertown community, business leaders, and Maranatha faculty, staff, and alumni in a day of connection and commitment. The event facilitated new business connections, showcased sponsors’ support for the community and impactful institutions like Maranatha Baptist University, and created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for all involved. The Maranatha Golf Classic serves as a testament to the power of community engagement, relationship-building, and collaboration in fostering a thriving and interconnected society.

Final Results

The winning team was Taylor Pill, Andrew Gunst, Justyn Smith, and Tanner Moses. Second was Wayne Gregory, Steve Board, and Bryan Board. Third place was Rob Thompson, Mike Dean II, and Paul Brown.

For more information about sponsoring or playing in the 2024 Golf Classic at the Watertown Country Club, email the Development Office or call 920.206.2325. View photos from the 2023 Golf Classic here.

A special thank you to the generous registrants, sponsors, and donors.