“This is a charity event, but we’re also there to celebrate teachers,” CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey says describing the CEF Hands Across the Green Golf Tournament on the latest episode of CEA’s podcast.
The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF), CEA’s charitable arm, is hosting its 30th annual golf tournament to benefit Connecticut children in need on July 14, and, whether or not you golf, all CEA members are invited to participate and support CEF.
CEA President Kate Dias and DeLancey, who also serves as CEF president, are joined on the latest podcast episode by CEA Production Technician Chip Karkos and Political Engagement Coordinator Gus Melita—both big supporters of the tournament.
“One of the things that I love most about the tournament is that it’s a day where teachers get to be treated just as royally as someone able to attend one of those tournaments that cost $5,000 a foursome. The quality of our tournament is top notch,” DeLancey says.
“You don’t want for anything from the moment you get out of your car at Glastonbury Hills Country Club to the moment you get back into your car, for the whole day—whether it be food, drink, fun, or relaxation,” says Karkos.
Dias adds, “Even if you’re not an experienced golfer, there’s a place for you at this tournament.”
Slots are still open for the morning shotgun. If you register as a foursome the fee is $700—which includes coffee, donuts, a barbeque lunch, dinner, golf, prizes, and an open bar.
Not a golf player but still want to support CEF and have a good time? For $100, those who don’t play golf can join in for dinner, raffle prizes, an open bar, and the evening program beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Local businesses or community partners are invited to sponsor the hospitality tent or become hole sponsors to get their name out in front of golfers while supporting a good cause.
DeLancey says that over the tournament’s 30 years it has raised $810,000 so far for children in need. Funds go directly toward reimbursing teachers for the supplies they purchase for their students that remove barriers to learning. The tournament netted $5,000 in its first year and has grown leaps and bounds, bringing in $55,000 in 2024 to support Connecticut students.
“CEA has lots of opportunities for members to connect during the school year around serious issues,” Melita says. “This is a chance, during the summer, to interact with folks you don’t see every day, and have a lot of fun.”
Hands Across the Green is just the first major opportunity to support CEF this year. On October 24 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, CEF will host the third annual CEA Celebrates Gala. Find out more and get your tickets.
Listen to the full podcast episode below, or wherever you get your podcasts.
