Foundation for Pops’ 1st golf outing a hole-in-one for homeless, veterans
Foundation for Pops Executive Director Lakesha Hancock stands in front of the list of sponsors and the tables where the post-outing meal was served.
The inaugural Foundation for Pops Golf Outing held last week at Canton’s Pheasant Run Golf Course not only raised upwards of $25,000 for the non-profit that helps homeless people and veterans, it provided a fun environment for the 104 golfers and sponsors.
And to think the event’s No. 1 coordinator — Foundation for Pops Executive Director Lakesha Hancock — had only a few months to put the successful fundraiser together made the smooth operation of the outing even more impressive.
“When our team first started talking about fundraising in December of 2023 (shortly after Hancock was hired as executive director), we wanted to coordinate events that would be appealing for people who wanted to join our mission of empowering people experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, assistance, and supportive services,” Hancock explained.
“We thought a golf outing would work best because it’s a casual way of entertaining and engaging people who might want to align with us.”
Rave reviews
Everyone involved in the event raved about the golf outing and the cause they were supporting.
“When Lakesha reached out to us, asking for our support, we immediately said ‘yes’,” said Ali Saaidi, owner of McLaren Logistics LLC, who provided a sponsorship and played in the outing. “A lot of times, veterans who are facing so many difficult obstacles are overlooked, so we want to do whatever we can to help them and the homeless community.
“Today was fun, but it wasn’t about winning, it was about giving back to a great cause.”
In addition to securing several sponsors and the golf course on short notice — “I learned most golf courses are booked at least a year in advance, and we only had a few months,” Hancock said — participants were treated to a catered meal, raffles and prizes.
‘Pops’ was special
Josh Morris, whose late grandfather Lloyd “”Pops” Morris, created the foundation to honor “Pops”, a Vietnam veteran.
“Before Foundation for Pops, we started a charity called Pops’ Closet, which collected clothing for homeless veterans and homeless people in general,” said Morris. “If my grandfather was here today and could see everything that is taking place in his name, he would be amazed and humbled.”
Among the celebrity golfers were former Ohio State University and NBA great Dennis Hopson, who drove up from his home in suburban Toledo; and Dave Rozema, who helped lead the Detroit Tigers to the 1984 World Series crown.
A team of Detroit Lions personnel also competed.
Former NBA great played
“Anything worthwhile related to fund-raising for a good cause, I’m all in,” said Hopson, the owner of the Havana & Rye Mobile Cigar Lounge.
Hopson, who is the head men’s basketball coach at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, donated cigars to all of the golfers.
One unique service available at the outing was free stretching exercises coordinated by the Stretch Zone, which has six locations in metro-Detroit.
Based on the success of the outing, Hancock assured that the first Foundation for Pops golf event will certainly not be the last.
“I can almost guarantee this will be an annual event now,” she said. “And next year’s will probably be even better because I’ll have more time to coordinate everything.”
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
