Handy Mart Tournament Scheduled for April 30 - May 1

MOUNT OLIVE – The 25th Annual Handy Mart/University of Mount Olive Invitational Golf Tournament, which provides more money for scholarships than any other single fund raising endeavor at University of Mount Olive is scheduled for April 30-May 1.

It all started in 1987 as a simple fundraiser to gain increased financial support for athletic scholarships in order for University of Mount Olive to seek affiliation with the Carolinas Virginia Athletics Conference.  The first year there were 31 sponsors who participated in the Handy Mart Golf Tournament organized by E. J. Pope and Son, Inc.  The event 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. To date the Handy Mart Tournament has raised more than $2 million and has awarded 535 scholarships to deserving students.

The 2011 two day, two man, super ball tournament will tee off on Saturday, April 30, at Southern Wayne Golf Course.  According to event planners there are still openings.  Golfers will be treated to lunch both days courtesy of E. J. Pope and Son, Inc. and served by Handy Mart volunteers.

“This is a great way to support University of Mount Olive and our students,” says Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kevin J. Jean.  “We are very appreciative of the collaborative relationship we have with Judson Pope and the Handy Mart Corporation.”

For more information about the tournament, call 919-658-6566.

University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville.  For more information, visit www.moc.edu.