Sixth annual golf tournament held to benefit Aldine Education Foundation

Aldine Education Foundation hosted the Sonny Donaldson Golf Tournament as a fundraiser for Aldine ISD student scholarships and educator grants. While the day began with cold, windy rain, the event closed out with the warmth of understanding how critical private support of public education can be.

Former Aldine ISD Superintendent (and the event’s namesake) Sonny Donaldson helped to welcome Title Sponsor WCA as well as many returning supporters and new sponsors. Including this year, AEF’s golf tournament donors have raised more than $425,000 for programs improving educational opportunities for Aldine ISD students.

The event was hosted Friday, October 25 at Oakhurst Golf Club and began with breakfast and ended with an awards lunch. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney gave gratitude to tournament guests for braving the weather and for their continuing support of Aldine Education Foundation. AEF Board President Pastor David Smith thanked all sponsors and reiterated the importance of the community’s involvement in improving education for our students.

Guests were surprised with a visit by actor and philanthropist Matthew McConaughey, whose Just Keep Livin’ Foundation is supporting an afterschool program at Carver High School. The star shined as he spoke of the work JKL Foundation is able to do across the US at inner city high schools, supporting underserved students by providing a safe place to learn the benefits of social, emotional, physical, and nutritional wellbeing as well as a sense of gratitude and community. Mr. McConaughey welcomed Carver HS teachers Monica Caldwell and Cynthia Davis-Cook and thanked them for their leadership of the program under the direction of Principal Pertricia Ross. And he encouraged those present to seek ways to support students like those in Aldine ISD.

Aldine Education Director Michele McGovern was thrilled with the day, stating “The rain can’t dampen the impact the golf tournament funds will make across Aldine ISD. Our grants fund robotics and arts programs as well as literacy and math projects. And the tournament’s sponsors typically fund scholarships for at least 30 Aldine ISD graduates each year. These donors definitely make a difference in our District.”

Take a look at the photos of the event at AldineISD.PhotoShelter.com.