The 5th Annual Gallipeau Harris Foundation Golfathon was held on April 14th, 2008 at Evergreen CC, Haymarket, VA. Eight golfers from all over the US took part and enjoyed a cool, windy, sunny day. At tee-off time the temperature was a chilly 38 degrees and the golf course was in great condition. The goal was to play as much golf as possible in one day while raising money for poor Thai Students.

This year the “golfathoners” managed to play 72 holes during 12 hours of non-stop play. More than $9,000 will be raised from their efforts. These funds will help The GH Foundation support 280 poor students in Thailand for the next year.

Golfathoners get ready to hit the links for charity

Patrick Herwig, a three time participant, who visited Thailand in January said, “After seeing the conditions the students have to overcome just to be able to study makes you realize how fortunate we really are. This event is a great way to raise money for a good cause and have fun at the same time.”

The host club, Evergreen CC, is a beautiful golf course located in the foothills of Bull Run Mountain in Northern Virginia. Evergreen CC generously donated use of their facilities for the fundraiser and the professional staff all volunteered their time for the day.

The Golfathon is the primary US fundraiser for The Gallipeau Harris Foundation and one of a series of golf events held worldwide that benefit the Foundation. Later in 2008, golf fundraisers will be held in Bangkok, Thailand; Seoul, Korea; and Shenzhen, China.

The GH Foundation, a 501c (3) organization, based in N. Virginia, has been providing educational opportunities for poor Thai students since 2003. All members of the Board, Officers and Program Managers serve voluntarily. As a result overhead is extremely low and allows the Foundation to donate 95% of funds raised directly to those in need.

Tom and Byron on the 1st Tee

OThe Foundation will supports the following programs in 2008:

• 270 junior & high school scholarships to poor students in Korat and Lampang, N. Thailand
• 10 scholarships for poor students in PhangNga, Southern Thailand
• Recruitment and financial support of 4 high school teachers for poor schools, including, two affected by the 2004 Tsunami in Southern Thailand.
• Support of the Phyathai Babies’ Orphanage in Bangkok.
• Providing two advanced training programs for English teachers.
• Provision of thirteen (13) University scholarships for gifted students.

If you are interested in supporting the event through financial sponsorship or want to form your own group to participate in the 2009 Golfathon please contact Andy Harris at andy@gallipeauharris.org or 703-517-9333.