Canceled Golf Tournament Still Raised $10K for PCHAS

This year has been a time of unprecedented challenge. But it has also inspired unprecedented innovation and grit. Miracles abound and supporters of PCHAS have gone above and beyond to ensure uninterrupted services for children and families in need.

For the last decade, Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney, Texas has sponsored a golf tournament that raises thousands of dollars annually for PCHAS foster care programs. When organizers were faced with canceling the fundraiser due to the pandemic, they looked to the memory of the tournament’s founder, Wes Geary, for inspiration.

Geary began his long career of service as a minister. After he enlisted in the U.S. Army as Chaplain, his assignments took him to Vietnam, Germany and Korea. He earned the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and other awards. After more than 45 years in the Army, Col. Geary retired to his home state of Texas and became an associate pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney.

Dedicated to children in foster care, Geary educated his congregation about their needs. In his free time, his hobby was golf. So in 2010 a church member, Fred Cook, suggested a golf tournament to raise money for the foster care programs of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Named the Wes Geary Classic, it raised thousands of dollars and became an annual event.

Bob Wilcox has led the committee for the past five years. He explains that when Geary died in 2016 the event became a memorial to him. “Wes was particularly committed to PCHAS and we want to continue that ministry,” Wilcox says. “We usually have about 75 golfers. They enjoy a good day for a good cause.”

By mid-summer this year, planners were facing the limitations of the pandemic and canceling the usual event. But knowing that children in foster care face challenges every day, the organizers renewed their commitment. They created a campaign called the Wes Geary Memorial Challenge. They appealed to players, sponsors and contributors to help PCHAS through this difficult time. “We couldn’t play in person, but we still support the kids who need us,” Wilcox says.

Remarkably, the Challenge raised $10,000 for PCHAS. “That they could pull together to fundraise so successfully this year is remarkable,” says PCHAS Director of Development Sara Craig. “We are just blown away by this level of generosity and support.”

On behalf of the children in our care, PCHAS thanks the organizers who have championed the cause since 2010: Bob and Linda Wilcox, Fred Gross, Ray and Sandy Gower, Jim and Gloria Redwine and Fred and Karen Cook.

Reservations have already been made for the golf course in 2021. Organizers hope that, by October of next year, they will be able to host a safe and successful Wes Geary Memorial Classic once again.