TD SYNNEX partners in Colorado are dusting off their five irons and getting ready to par-tee on August 21 at Saddleback Golf Club in Firestone, CO. This, however, isn’t just another ordinary game of golf. The Share the Magic 2023 Golf Tournament brings together TD SYNNEX associates, vendors, partners and community friends to support the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and the Hope for the Warriors organization. With the goal of making a positive impact on the lives of those in need, the event aims to raise funds through sponsorships, contributions, and a silent auction.
The EDGE360 Editors recently sat down to discuss this year’s upcoming event with TD SYNNEX SVP, Global Partner Executive, Jay Denton, who serves on the Board Chair for Share the Magic – Colorado. Denton and his team’s unwavering drive and passion for Share the Magic and this event are the key drivers of success each year, and this one is poised to be another hole-in-one!
EDGE360 Editors: Starting with the beginning, what is the inspiration behind the Share the Magic Golf event?
Jay Denton: When we launched the Colorado chapter of TD SYNNEX Share the Magic in November 2020, right before the holidays, we sought to consolidate many of the ad-hoc charitable giving activities we were doing across the business. As part of that, we assembled a group of co-workers who shared a passion for getting involved and making a difference in the lives of people in need. After selecting our two designated charitable organizations, Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and Hope for the Warriors, we set out to create an annual event to bring together our co-workers, customers, vendors, and community friends to unite in support of the cause. The inaugural golf tournament, in the fall of 2021, was the first time that most of us had gotten together in person for over a year, making it extra special. Many of us have prior experience supporting other organizations, and we believed that a golf outing, with sponsorship and contribution opportunities, was a great way to kick things off.
Editors: As this is the third annual event, what kind of impact have you seen the previous events make in the community?
Denton: We were thrilled to have a “full” tournament the first year, and even though we pulled it together on fairly short notice in the late summer and early fall, we managed to generate around $80,000 in contributions. After paying the bills, we were able to distribute a total of $50,000 and present each of our charities with $25,000. Last year, with a little more advanced planning and the addition of our rock-star, super-planner Kelli Crannell, we increased our fund-raising to $120,000, and were able to give $90,000 to Children’s and Hope, with $45,000 distributed to each. These organizations are so appreciative of the effort and support; it really makes a difference in the programs and support they are able to offer to people who depend on them.
Editors: Speaking of the funds raised from the event, how do they directly benefit the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and the Hope for the Warriors veterans’ organization?
Denton: Charitable organizations like Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation and Hope for the Warriors are totally dependent on the generosity of individuals and companies who share their vision of meeting the needs of the people who rely on them. Whether it’s life-saving treatments for childhood diseases, research for future prevention and cure, or meeting the basic needs of struggling families who have sacrificed for the citizens of our country through their military service, every dollar that we are able to collectively contribute means being able to say “yes” to one more need. That’s what this is all about, helping these amazing organizations meet real-life needs for deserving families.
Editors: Looking at this year’s event, what can attendees expect? Are there any new or exciting features?
Denton: We are actively “recruiting” for this year’s tournament, which will be held at Saddleback Golf Club in Firestone, CO on August 21, 2023. We are making some progress with locking down some of the corporate sponsorships and foursomes, but we still have plenty of room to sign up! One of the fun things we are enjoying is learning what our other chapters around the country are doing to generate great results. We have Share the Magic golf tournaments being held in the Bay Area, California; Chicago, Illinois; Greenville, South Carolina; and the Toronto area in Ontario, Canada.
Editors: What are your hopes and goals for this year, as well as the future of this event and the impact it can make on the community?
Denton: Getting the word out and connecting people who want to be involved with the opportunity is the biggest challenge. My hope is that we fill up the golf course for this year’s event, leave no sponsorship opportunity or foursome un-filled, and through the creativity and frugality of our Board and Committee, make as big an impact as possible for Children’s and Hope.
Editors: For those who are unable to attend but would still like to support the causes, what can they do?
Denton: Participating in the tournament is just one way to support the cause; we also do a Silent Auction, which is all “icing on the cake” since the items are donated and we’re able to steer 100 percent of those funds to the charities. We are thrilled to include fun and valuable donations that will drive bids and add to the size of the checks we present! Those interested in participating in the Share the Magic 2023 Golf Tournament can register here.
