Since its inception in 2011, the Whitford Charitable Fund, a nonprofit founded by the members of the Whitford Country Club in Exton, has given over $1.1 million to more than 60 local organizations.

The Fund, through its annual Whitford Classic, provides club members an opportunity to give back to the community in which they work, play, and raise their families. Throughout the years, the event has grown in popularity and has become a popular vehicle to connect people who care with causes that matter.

This year’s Whitford Classic will be held from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 25.

Participants will spend the weekend socializing, golfing, and playing tennis and mixed pickleball for a number of worthy causes. The highlight of the Classic is Friday night’s Gala Auction & Cocktail Party.

“It’s really a unique event, one that grew out of a golf tournament we used to hold that benefited one charity,” said Louis Teti, a Partner at MacElree Harvey and member of the Whitford Classic committee. “Now, other sports are involved, and the proceeds are donated to multiple charities. I don’t know of any other country clubs that do something like this, and our members are very proud of it.”

East Fallowfield Township resident Dick Vermeil, the former Eagles coach who was recently enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is the Honorary Chair of this year’s Classic, which will raise funds for the following beneficiaries:

• Andrew Hicks Foundation
• Brandywine Valley Active Aging 
• Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown
• Downingtown Community Education Foundation
• Friends Association
• Great Valley Community Organization Internship Program
• Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy
• St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter for Homeless Families
• The Barn at Spring Brook Farm
• The Fund for Women and Girls
• Youth Mentoring Partnership

As part of the event, some high school students — the sons and daughters of Whitford members who are interested in learning more about philanthropy — are assigned to the nonprofits to be their ambassadors to the country club.

“It gives these kids a chance to learn how to give back at a young age,” said Teti. “They even visit these nonprofits and seek out volunteer opportunities.”

There are a variety of sponsorships available for companies that would like to maximize their exposure at the 2022 Whitford Classic, as well as tickets available to the dinner gala and auction.

Learn more about the sponsorship opportunities, or contact Whitford Classic co-chairs Andrew LaRosa (andrew@larosa-cpa.com) and Kelly Hagelauer (khagelauer@gmail.com).

Do you have something to contribute to the auction? Donations, big and small, are appreciated. Each item will directly benefit the 11 organizations listed above. Contact Gwynne Gorr at gwynneg@comcast.net for more information.

Register for the Whitford Classic.