1st Annual Tiger Paw Classic
“We wanted to make the event for Clemson’s students, by Clemson’s students, and about Clemson’s students. Tanner’s Totes was the obvious choice for us.” The “We” in this quote refers to Dr. Adam Rapp and the Professional Selling and Sport Plus Sport Marketing Group. It's fair to say that adding life experiences to the classroom curriculum is the definition of a good teacher.
Dr. Rapp thinks outside the box for his marketing students. Why not start something that will impact the community and local businesses, help out programs in the Clemson Marketing Department, help raise funds for a charity founded by a Clemson student, create positive networking connections between the students and businesses that participate, promote Clemson University spirit, and create a lasting legacy that will continue to provide help for future Clemson College of Business and Behavioral Science students?
He accomplished all of this by creating one special event, the 1st Annual Tiger Paw Classic Golf Tournament. If adding life experiences lands a teacher in the good category, where does adding all of the above place Dr. Adam Rapp? The answer is easy to see. He is seated comfortably among the great professors at one of the top public universities in the country.
Tanner’s Totes, Inc., an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit company founded by a Clemson student, was the joyous recipient of a $5000 donation generated by this event. Obviously, the inaugural Tiger Paw Classic Golf Tournament was a huge success. Participating for the first ever event were 120 golfers and over 100 local companies donating time, money and support. Due to the overwhelming support from the local businesses and huge overall success in funds raised, the event directors have decided to make this an annual outing: hence, the legacy part of Dr. Rapp’s vision.
Please go through the photo gallery. As you can see, the tournament was very well organized and exciting. A special thanks goes out to the Key Account Managers: James Haltiwagner, Britton Hunter, Adelaide Kiefer and Shannon Pijanowski for their dedications and hard work. Of course, a Clemson University event does not happen without unbelievable volunteer support. So thank you to each and everyone that helped.
At the tournament, held at beautiful Boscobel Golf and Country Club of Pendleton, SC, each golfer received a “Goodie Bag” full of free items and coupons from the local business community. The lunch was graciously donated by Firehouse Subs and Sardi’s Den provided the free dinner. In return for all of the great amenities and prizes awarded, the participants and sponsors from the local business community were asked to donate generously, and they did! Funds were raised through entry fees, advertising signs on each hole, sponsors for the golf hat and shirt gifts, and golf cart and trophy sponsors. Charity golf tournaments typically are difficult to start.
The Tiger Paw Classic almost maxed out on golfers (144 is the most for one course) for the first event! Way to go Sport Plus Sport Marketing Group and Dr. Rapp. You all hit a home run, or in this case a 350 yard center-cut drive, on your first attempt.
Everyone at Tanner’s Totes, Inc. is proud to be a part of this historic tournament. We would like to send out our sincere appreciation for this generous donation. 100% of the donation goes directly into filling and sending tote bags to hospitals throughout the United States (yes, Hawaii too). Greenville Children’s Hospital has recently established a great relationship with us. A dozen totes were handed off to the Child Life Specialist the first week in June. With the $5000 donation received, Tanner’s Totes, Inc will be able to reach almost 85 pre-teen and teenage patients undergoing long term care. Tanner’s goal is to send out totes, on a consistent basis, to as many hospitals as possible. Its ALL about the patients. If they know that there are people out there thinking of them, cheering them on during their struggle with cancer, other diseases or traumas, then half the battle is won. A patient must have a strong, positive attitude to win the fight. Totes, Inc is proud to be a small part of the victories.
