Mill Steel Company’s 2012 Golf for Kids’ Sake

STORY :: STELLAFLY
PHOTOGRAPHY :: TERRY JOHNSTON

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Danny, or “Danny Woods” as he wishes to be called from now on, circled around his yellow golf ball, surveyed the wind, crouched down into his professional stance, grabbed his club, and swung. The yellow ball soared into the air and made it all the way to the green.

It’s hard to believe, but this was Danny’s first time playing golf. Danny joined five other children at Blythfield Country Club on July 9th as part of the Kid’s Clinic for the 16th Annual Golf for Kids’ Sake event sponsored by Mill Steel Company and benefitting the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s. Danny, on top of having a near perfect follow through, was one of the 350 children waiting for an adult mentor, or “Big.” A month ago he was matched with a Big Brother.

At the end of his golf lesson Danny met David Samrick, Chairman and President of Mill Steel Co. Danny shook Mr. Samrick’s hand, and enthusiastically asked if Mr. Samrick “owned the Country Club?” Mr. Samrick may not own Blythefield Country Club, but for the past 16 years, he has spearheaded one of the most successful golf outings in West Michigan for the sole purpose of helping children like Danny.

In 1997, Mill Steel Co. and Big Brothers Big Sisters forged a partnership to match more children with adult mentors. Since then, nearly $1.2 million has been raised by Mill Steel Co. for D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s and 1,000 additional children have been matched with positive role models as a direct result.

This year’s event was the most successful to date. According to D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s Executive Director Sharon Loughridge, this year raised nearly $136,000. “David Samrick and Bill Buck (Vice Chairman of Mill Steel) are the powerhouse behind this event. They have embraced the concept of a mentoring program and recognize the need for programs like this. Without their continued support, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s would not be what it is today.”

The night’s program showcased how Golf for Kids’ Sake is quite different than your average golf outing. Two “Littles” took to the microphone and emotionally shared their experiences. First, Big Brother Jon and Little Brother Jayden came to the podium. Following their heartfelt story came one of the highlights of the night. 19 year-old Mohamed was presented with the Harry H. Samrick Scholarship, a scholarship established in 2005 by the Samrick family in honor of the company founder, and David’s father. The scholarship provides tuition for a “Little” to attend Grand Rapids Community College. Mohamed immigrated to Grand Rapids from Sierra Leone. He credits his Big Brother with much of his success and achievements. With his Big Brother’s support he became active in sports and other activities in high school and is currently in his 2nd year at GRCC with a 3.4 GPA. Mohamed proudly shared with the audience that this scholarship will allow him to pursue his dream of becoming a therapist in order to help other children like him.

Because of the success of this year’s Golf for Kids’ Sake, and the continued support of Mill Steel, children like Mohamed and Jayden can continue to benefit from the long lasting effects of a positive role model, and children like Danny can dream of golf super stardom.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, a 125 year-old accredited agency dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationally recognized mentoring program that matches kids age 5-17 with an adult mentor. These kids are typically from single-parent homes and may be experiencing some difficulty with school, social skills, and developing interests in life. Currently there are 350 children waiting for a mentor. If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister to one of these children, call (616) 451-2021.