Forward Corp’s annual charity golf tournament raised over $8,000 for Special Olympics Michigan this month despite the fact the event never took place. Originally scheduled for Aug. 31 at The Nightmare in West Branch, Forward notified participants on Aug. 15 the event would be cancelled due to concerns related to COVID.
“It was a very tough decision but we decided that the health and safety of our participants is paramount,” Forward Corp. President Abby Moniz said. “and with the ever-changing situation surrounding COVID-19, we found it to be the best decision overall to cancel this year’s tournament.”
Forward Corp. informed its participants about the cancellation a couple weeks after the invitations were sent. They were given options for a refund or to continue with their donation.
“Many of our vendors were generous enough to donate their participation costs even though the event was cancelled,” Moniz said. “We cannot thank them enough for their generosity, especially during these challenging times.”
Forward Corp. has raised over $428,000 for Special Olympics Michigan since 2004.
Moniz explained how proud and honored Forward Corp. is to partner with Special Olympics Michigan and raise money for such a deserving cause.
SOMI Special Gifts Manager Robbie Waclawski said, “Our ability to generate revenue has been severely impacted, and the support of Forward Corp. and its vendors is greatly appreciated! This money offers the opportunity for local, regional, state, national and world games to the athletes in Michigan.”
Waclawski explained that this year’s State Summer Games were held virtually in order to provide their programs to their athletes in a safe and healthy manner.
“We promoted a 6-week training program for our athletes to focus on at home leading up to the week of the games,” Waclawski said. “We had ceremony videos and messages recorded that were televised via social media and shared on our website throughout the week.”
Next year’s outing is scheduled to take place in August at The Nightmare Golf Course in West Branch.
About Forward Corporation
Forward Corporation, a family-owned and operated Michigan company, has been in business over 90 years. With 29 Shell and Marathon convenience stores, Forward Corporation’s brand portfolio has grown to include Subway restaurants, Super 8 motels, a Quality Inn, and The LumberJack Restaurant in West Branch. Forward Corporation also owns and operates Forward Energy, a heating fuels business, and T.R. McTaggart, a custom screen print and embroidery business. Headquartered in Standish, Mich., Forward Corporation proudly employs 1,000 Michigan residents across the state.