Vendors FORE Education tourney raises money for scholarships
Posted on Saturday, July 19, 2008
A collection of Wal-Mart vendors and buyers helped those who aspire to similar positions Friday at Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club.
The Vendors FORE Education golf tournament was initially a social networking opportunity for members of the vendor community to build and strengthen relationships. The tournament assumed the added role in 2002 of providing financial assistance for University of Arkansas students enrolled in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
The first six years the tournament raised $ 43, 000 for scholarships. This year an additional $ 22, 000 was generated, said Pamela Styles, assistant director of the Walton College's Center for Retailing Excellence.
"The first year it was $ 2, 500," Styles said. "The second year it was $ 5, 000. Then they went to 10. Then they went beyond that. Every year they've incrementally raised the goal. Every year to some degree they've exceeded their objective. It's been a great relationship."
The Center for Retailing Excellence director, Claudia Mobley, said recruitment and retention of students is the center's primary mission. The money raised Friday serves as a means to that end.
"One way to recruit really good students who otherwise couldn't come because of financial reasons is to raise money for scholarships and give those out," Mobley said.
Mobley said many of the business school's graduates will land positions as vendors. The school's location, situated in a robust retailing market, increases the likelihood of graduates getting those jobs.
"We set up all kinds of opportunities for students to interact with the industry that they don't get at any other university just by virtue of the fact that we have all of these companies in our backyard," Mobley said. "If you come to the Walton College, you have the opportunity to talk to CEOs of vendor companies and CEOs of retailers and really get some hands-on opportunities."
This year's event featured coaches and athletes from the university's women's athletics department. The women's volleyball team and golf team were present. A contest on Stonebridge's ninth tee challenged participants to outdrive members of the women's golf team. Those who fell short were given pink golf balls. There was also a chipping competition were participants tested their short game against that of golf coach Shauna Estes-Taylor.
"We have great partners across campus," Mobley said. "We reached out to [the women's athletic department ] and asked them to be a part of this event."
Indy Racing League driver Sarah Fisher was also on hand to visit with tournament participants.
"We're grateful she's here," Mobley said. "We wanted to bring more recognition to the event and raise more funds."
Mobley said 120 people took part in the tournament, which was played under a four-person scramble format.
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