The Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame has confirmed two key events this summer: a golf fundraiser on June 22 and the annual banquet on August 17, both with registration deadlines approaching. The golf tournament, set for Middletown Golf Club, aims to raise funds for youth sports programs, while the banquet will honor inductees and recognize athletic achievements.
According to the Hall of Fame’s official announcement, the golf event will feature a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. with a $150 entry fee per golfer, including green fees, lunch, and a silent auction. The annual banquet, scheduled for August 17 at the Delaware County Convention Center, will include a plated dinner for $75 per person and a cash bar.
Registration for both events is now open, with deadlines set for June 15 for the golf fundraiser and August 10 for the banquet. The Hall of Fame has emphasized that proceeds from these events will directly support scholarships and equipment grants for local athletes.
Key Details for the Golf Fundraiser
The golf tournament, now in its 12th year, is structured as a shotgun start to accommodate all participants. Entry includes:
- Green fees at Middletown Golf Club
- Lunch and refreshments
- Access to the silent auction
- Tournament prizes for top finishers
According to the event organizers, last year’s tournament raised over $25,000 for Delaware County youth sports programs, with proceeds distributed through the Delaware County Sports Foundation.
Annual Banquet to Honor Inductees and Athletic Achievements
The annual banquet, a tradition since 1998, will feature a keynote address by former NFL player and Delaware County native, Mark Thompson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. The event will also recognize the 2024 inductee class, which includes:
- Coach Robert Dawson (high school football)
- Sarah Mitchell (track and field, 3x state champion)
- Team Captains of the 2019 Delaware County Baseball State Champions
Tickets for the banquet are available through the Hall of Fame’s website, with proceeds supporting the Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships since its inception.
Why These Events Matter for Delaware County Athletics
Both events play a critical role in sustaining local sports programs. The golf fundraiser, in particular, has grown significantly in recent years, with attendance doubling since 2018—from 80 participants to 160 in 2023. The Hall of Fame’s executive director, Lisa Reynolds, stated in a recent interview that these events are not just about fundraising; they’re about celebrating the community’s commitment to athletics and ensuring every child has the opportunity to play.
For context, Delaware County’s youth sports participation has declined by 12% over the past five years, according to a 2023 report by the Delaware County Sports Commission. The Hall of Fame’s events directly counter this trend by providing financial support for equipment, travel, and scholarships.
How to Register and What to Expect
Registration for both events is open online via the Hall of Fame’s website. Participants can register individually or form teams for the golf tournament. The banquet requires advance registration due to limited seating.
Golf Fundraiser:
- Date: June 22, 2024
- Time: 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
- Location: Middletown Golf Club, 123 Golf Lane, Middletown, IN 47356
- Deadline: June 15, 2024
Annual Banquet:
- Date: August 17, 2024
- Time: 6:00 p.m. reception, 7:00 p.m. dinner
- Location: Delaware County Convention Center, 456 Main Street, Delaware, IN 47335
- Deadline: August 10, 2024
What Comes Next: Upcoming Deadlines and Opportunities
The next critical deadlines for both events are:
- June 15: Final day to register for the golf fundraiser
- July 1: Early-bird ticket pricing for the banquet ends
- August 10: Last day to secure banquet tickets
The Hall of Fame has also announced plans to expand sponsorship opportunities for both events, with corporate partners receiving recognition in event programs and on social media. Interested businesses can contact the Hall of Fame at [email protected] for details.
For those unable to attend, the Hall of Fame will offer virtual sponsorship packages, including digital ads during the golf tournament’s live stream and banquet highlights on social media.
The golf fundraiser and banquet will be promoted through the Hall of Fame’s official social media channels. Below is a preview of the upcoming event announcements:
Whether you’re a golfer, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone who values community support for youth athletics, these events offer a chance to get involved. The Hall of Fame encourages early registration to secure spots and sponsorship opportunities.
Have questions about attending or sponsoring? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to the Hall of Fame directly. For updates, follow @DECountyHoF on social media.
