Expanding the Foundation’s Impact with the 2022 Strategic Partners
By Ryan McFarlin, Dormie Network Philanthropy Associate
The Dormie Network Foundation recently completed our inaugural Strategic Partners’ Summit at Briggs Ranch. From February seventh to ninth, a group of nine individuals from groups such as Play Yellow, Blessings in a Backpack, At the Turn, First Tee, and St. Andrews Products met with the Dormie Network Foundation team to share about their work, workshop solutions to non-profit specific problems, and build connections through the game.
The Foundation’s Strategic Partners are a group of industry leaders in both the non-profit sphere and the private sector helping the Foundation connect with nonprofits across our four giving pillars (youth golf, environmental initiatives, military and first responders, and healthcare/humanitarian aid). These remarkable leaders were brought together with the goal of fostering relationships and finding ways to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships between the Foundation and their own organizations with the intent to continue to grow our joint impact. This group was key in the Foundation’s in-kind donation program providing over 1.7 million dollars in realized revenue for our nonprofit partners in 2021.
Those who arrived early on Monday had time to get out onto the course or the range – one attendee remarked that he “hit balls on the range and was so happy for my 4:30 (virtual) meeting!” A cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres on the veranda overlooking the course were followed by a “get to know you” dinner. The night wound down around the fire pit behind the casitas with a bottle of wine and cigars.
Tuesday morning opened with breakfast at the clubhouse and a morning full of partnership meetings focused on two main questions: “Why do you do what you do?” and “What are your challenges?”
Common themes that quickly emerged from the discussion were the challenges that COVID-19 has posed to groups across the country and the unique space that golf occupies to meet some of the most pressing difficulties that non-profits and businesses alike face.
One strategic partner remarked that “golf is a powerful fundraiser” and another commented that “the need is there, the need is great, and we want to do more. I believe that golf is a way to be able to do that.” Also of note was the specific way that these partners were using Dormie Network clubs as a stewardship tool – saying “several members of my board love the experience of being at the Dormie Network” and that “I’ve been around golf my whole life, and this is about as good as it gets.”
Tuesday afternoon was spent on the golf course enjoying the 70-degree February weather that Briggs Ranch had to offer. While the weather was perfect for golfing, the highlight of the round may have been getting to meet the mini longhorns on property! Golfing ended the best way possible – being met with freshly made Ranch Waters on the 18th green. An outdoor cocktail hour prefaced another delicious dinner and fireside conversations late into the night. Wednesday morning saw breakfast delivered to the casitas so that everyone could leave to catch their flights or check out downtown San Antonio at their own pace.
Ryan McFarlin, Dormie Network Philanthropy Associate
Editor’s note: Internal teams use the network’s clubs for meetings all the time—everything you need is on site, so you’ll build relationships more quickly and an onsite concierge can manage your entire itinerary. For more information or to book your own corporate or group outing, contact any club.
