This story was originally published in the spring 2012 issue of Harker Quarterly.
Golfers basked in the warmth of a lovely day on the Stanford University Golf Course, sipped fine wines at a beautiful home and also walked away with the good feeling that comes from helping others.
In keeping with a Harker motto, “aim high; have fun,” and thanks to those involved, the event raised more than $30,000. The money will go towards Harker’s general endowment fund, to help benefit generations of students to come.
“This was a win- win for everyone. It was a great game and a great opportunity to unite as a community in support of the school,” said Joe Rosenthal, executive director of advancement, of the day.
The golf course, designed in 1930 by renowned golf course architects William Bell and George C. Thomas, is located in the foothills above the Stanford University campus and is consistently rated one of the finest in the world. In 2009 Stanford was rated the nation’s third best college course by golf coaches.
The Golf Classic offered various packages for single players, couples, foursome and twosomes. It also included some impressive add-ons for avid golfers and wine enthusiasts, culminating with wine tasting at the hilltop home of Harker parents Scott and Susan McNealy (Scout, grade 5; Colt, grade 7; Dakota, grade 8; Maverick, grade 11).
The McNealys graciously opened up their home to golfers, their guests and non-golfers who sponsored a Harker golf team member. Over delicious wine and appetizers, guests reminisced about highlights of the day, from tee-off to their last putt.
More importantly, they left secure in the knowledge that they had played a key role in leaving a lasting legacy by helping to provide a perpetual stream of income to the school.
In addition to the McNealys, the Golf Classic was also sponsored by Gary and Pooja Gauba, Ram and Indira Reddy and Sandeep and Priya Vij. Hole sponsors were WayIn, Cheryl Young Associates, Sarah Hansen Watercolor Artist, Beshoff Motor Cars, Delectus Winery, Jarvis Winery, Vintage Wine Estate, Martin and Dorothy Scarpace and Joe and Blanca Rosenthal.
Overall winners with a score of 60 were Tony Morici (parent of Antonio Morici ’89 and Alexia Lerner ’90), Pam Costello, Steve Hallgrimson and Erik Hallgrimson.