The 2022 Houston East End Chamber of Commerce (EECOC) Scholarship Golf Tournament was a successful “hole-in-one!” The 27th annual event brought together chamber members, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for another great golf tournament held at the Gus Wortham Golf Course on Wednesday, April 13, to raise funds for deserving students of our East End community.

Our Chamber President, Frances Castañeda Dyess, welcomed the sold-out tournament in anticipation of the shotgun that started at noon. EECOC Golf Co-Chairs Mike Redditt and Eloy Cortez also provided a few opening remarks alongside Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez with Valero – Houston Refinery, this year’s presenting sponsor. This tournament honored two East End change-makers, Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado, and Todd Stewart, with Gulf Winds International.

It is no secret golfers have a terminology all their own, and this tournament was full of exciting moments. Over 30 teams stepped up to give it their best swing to get that birdie, bogey, or eagle, all in the name of raising funds for scholarships, as well as the honor of being crowned the best team overall.

The following teams took top honors:

• First place – Precision Task Group: Massey Villareal, Jesse Villareal, David Vasquez, Steve McCampbell
• Second place – Segovia Studios: John Segovia, Tony Garcia, Daniel Saenz, Jaime Salinas
• Third place – ILA 24: Steven Sanders, Robert Reyna, Chris Udoh, Chris Erdmann

In addition to the golf tournament, there was also a silent auction and raffle from over 65 donors. Raffle prizes ranged from two first-class airline tickets donated by United Airlines, a three-night getaway at Sea Isle Canal Home in Galveston, Texas, and a Blackstone 4 Burner 36-inch gas griddle in classic black.

Among the silent auction items to bid on were Houston Astros tickets, museum tickets, restaurant gift cards, wine tasting experiences, custom boots, jewelry, make-up lessons, spa certificates, and of course, golf packages, among other top-notch items.

This year’s event continued the purpose of serving the education and community needs of East End students. Two very deserving high school students received scholarships in our Honoree’s names. Marissa Gonzales – Houston Gateway Academy received the Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado scholarship, and Daniel Guzman – Milby High School received the Todd Stewart scholarship as their families looked on with pride.

“This is a worthwhile, fun event. I look forward to playing in it every year,” was a quote from one of our players. Special thank you again to all our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make this event a great success! If you would like to continue the momentum of making a tax-deductible donation that guarantees a future for our East End students, you can donate here.

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us at our upcoming 10th Annual Education Symposium on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Ashley Gebhardt at events@eecoc.org.