The centerpiece of the meeting was the planning of the golf tournament, which aims to raise funds for the Miami Lakes Veterans Monument and a memorial wall dedicated to local veterans. The committee discussed potential venues and tentatively considered the new Miami Links Golf Sports venue for hosting the event. A debate emerged over the optimal day for the tournament, with some members advocating for a Friday to maximize participation, while others suggested a Monday to accommodate club members’ preferences. February 26 was initially proposed as the event date, though flexibility was acknowledged pending venue availability. The committee underscored the need to balance the interests of veterans and club members to ensure robust participation.

Sponsorships emerged as a topic, with the committee recognizing their vital role in achieving fundraising success. Various sponsorship packages were discussed, targeting contributions from local businesses and vendors. A member stressed the importance of securing the majority of funds before the tournament, noting, “you got to have 90% of your money made as you say before they hit the first ball.” The committee explored reaching out to large retail chains like Walmart for donations and engaging local golf-related businesses for support. There was an emphasis on preparing a comprehensive brochure or packet to present to potential sponsors in future meetings.

The inclusion of vendors, food, and beverage sponsors was also considered to create a festive atmosphere for participants. Mission Barbecue was mentioned as a potential food vendor due to its history of supporting veterans, with members suggesting that their involvement could enhance the event’s appeal. Additionally, the committee contemplated hosting a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle to further boost fundraising efforts. Ideas for promoting the raffle included selling tickets at the event entrance with various pricing options to generate additional revenue.

Logistical considerations were thoroughly discussed, focusing on responsibilities between the golf course and the committee. Members examined the need for securing carts, signage, and other necessary preparations. The tournament’s format required experienced members to lead various aspects. The necessity of a promotional flyer was emphasized, with a request to confirm the event date of February 27 to facilitate effective marketing and sponsorship outreach.

The naming of the tournament was also a point of discussion. Members suggested titles such as the “Miami Lakes Veterans Monument Golf Tournament Fundraiser” to convey the event’s purpose clearly. They emphasized transparency in communicating where donor contributions would be directed, especially given the dual objectives of supporting the veterans monument and the memorial wall. The committee acknowledged the underutilization of a current scholarship fund for veterans and deliberated on providing financial assistance through the American Legion Post 144’s relief fund, which assists veterans with small, zero-interest loans for urgent needs.

Volunteer coordination for the event was highlighted, with discussions about engaging students from Barbara Golden High School. However, school commitments on a Friday posed a challenge, prompting suggestions for organizing a teacher workday to facilitate student participation. An estimated four to five volunteers were deemed necessary for registration, along with support for water and soda distribution, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

The committee explored different advertising strategies, including social media and local publications like the Miami Laker, to reach potential participants. There was a consensus on inviting local officials to the event, with an expectation that they would enthusiastically participate while covering their own costs. The meeting concluded with a motion to schedule the next meeting for October 13th, as members expressed eagerness to finalize sponsorships and arrangements swiftly due to the approaching tournament date.