Builders Exchange of Michigan Golf Outing to benefit Guiding Light

Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 27, 2018 – Golfers and community members will gather on Monday, July 23 for the Builders Exchange of Michigan 62nd Bart Austhof Memorial Golf Outing, an event to benefit Guiding Light’s Back to Work program.

The four-person scramble will be held at Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in Grand Rapids and begin at 11 a.m. Dinner, awards and a raffle will follow with proceeds to support Guiding Light’s Back to Work program, which provides men who are homeless a short-term stay and resources while they search for full-time employment.

Designed to promote financial independence through work, Back to Work allows participants to save money while they look for permanent housing. Of the nearly 50 men accepted into the program so far this year, 91 percent left with a job.

This will be the third year the golf outing will benefit Guiding Light’s Back to Work Program. Last year, the event raised more than $10,000.

“We’re humbled that Builders Exchange of Michigan has chosen to once again support our Back to Work program,” said Stuart Ray, Guiding Light executive director. “This generosity allows us to continue to provide valuable resources and support to help men struggling in our community an opportunity to succeed.”

Men in the program are provided with a bed, three meals a day and a list of tools available to find a job. They are able to use a computer lab for researching jobs and creating resumes. They can receive job coaching and have access a closet full of suits for interviews. As needed, the men are provided transportation and any prerequisites they may need to accept a job offer, such as work boots or uniforms.

“We’re hoping for beautiful weather for a great day of golf and networking with our members and friends to support Guiding Light,” said Elizabeth Bovard, executive vice president of Builders Exchange. “We’re thrilled to be able to raise funds to ensure the program that helps men get off the streets and back to work can thrive for years to come.”

Organizations can participate in the golf outing to support Guiding Light through sponsorship opportunities. Door prize donations for the raffle are also being accepted.

Those interested in sponsoring the Builders Exchange of Michigan 62nd Bart Austhof Memorial Golf Outing may complete the registration and sponsorship form available at home.grbx.com.

To be a part of Guiding Light’s mission to restore men’s lives, visit https://guidinglightworks.org or contact Starla McDermott, Guiding Light’s development director, at starla@guidinglightworks.org to make a donation.