We recognize that we are part of a larger family and community. We believe that we can make the greatest positive impact by doing what we do best – serving our communities through our clubs.” - Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Arcis Golf
DALLAS (PRWEB) April 15, 2020
Arcis Golf has pledged the support of its 61 clubs in 13 states, taking a significant leadership role in a new nationwide initiative, ClubsHELP.
Formed less than a week ago during the national health crisis, ClubsHELP connects golf clubs with hospitals in their local areas. Arcis Golf was among the first golf management companies to step up and access its extensive club network and key vendors to provide critically needed support to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
“First of all, I want to say how grateful I am for the heroic frontline responders who are serving our local communities,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Arcis Golf, the second largest owner and operator of private, resort and daily fee clubs in the U.S. “Their valuable role during this time of crisis and their attention to human welfare is critical to the wellness of our citizens. We recognize that we are part of a larger family and community. We believe that we can make the greatest positive impact by doing what we do best – serving our communities through our clubs.”
This is how the new initiative works:
-A member or the management of each Arcis club will take on the role of captain.
-The club then ‘adopts' or is matched with a local hospital.
-Working cooperatively, the most pressing needs at the hospital are identified, then clubs, companies, and individual donors pitch in to gather, collect, and deliver the most necessary items and resources to be used by hospital workers.
At this time, the greatest needs are basic food items that can be consumed quickly, PPE supplies, UV lighting for sterilization of phones and keys, and delivery services. Additionally, utilizing untapped commercial resources, raising money, or mobilizing a local delivery service are examples of ways that clubs are supporting local hospitals.
On an ongoing basis every Arcis property engages with its local community by donating rounds and amenities, holding tournaments and events that raise money for charities.
“During these unprecedented times, and with the health and safety of our members, guests and staff on our minds, we simply felt a calling that we needed to do more. Our club leaders are empowered to work side-by-side with their members and patrons to be part of something really special and to engage within their communities to make a real difference,” said Walker.
In fact, it was based on Arcis Golf’s past working relationship with, and corporate-wide support of, the Els for Autism Foundation that Walker and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Crocker first became aware of the opportunity to utilize their clubs to support this new national program.
“When Ernie Els’ manager called, we said, ‘count us in.’ Every community wants to sustain their local hospital and first responders,” noted Crocker. “We know that strength in numbers—clubs and their members’ networks—will make a meaningful impact to those bravely fighting the virus, with grit and grace, from the frontlines each and every day. Just as Ernie has challenged his fellow golf professionals to step up for this cause, I challenge golf clubs across the nation to embrace and support ClubsHELP.”
Golf’s premier organizations, including the National Club Association, and Golf Writers Association of America, have pledged to get behind the ClubsHELP program and make a significant difference in local communities throughout the United States. Additionally, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) have alerted their membership that golf clubs across the country are activating.
To be a captain, register your club, pledge support or get additional information, access the web site at http://www.clubshelp.org or text ClubsHELP to 71441.
For additional information about Arcis Golf or their individual clubs, access their web site, http://www.arcisgolf.com.