Lewis’ impact on the game continues as the event now supports all 4 pillars PGA REACH Southern Texas
GEORGETOWN, Texas – On April 5, Cimarron Hills Golf and Country Club hosted the Annual Cimarron Hills Pro-Am benefitting the J.L. Lewis Scholarship and PGA REACH Southern Texas and raised over $75,000, a new record for this event!
The event started 14 years ago when Chris de Keratry, PGA Director of Golf, wanted to host a big event at his facility and help raise money for PGA REACH Southern Texas. The event then grew four years ago when Dawn Lewis approached Chris about wanting to make an impact on junior golfers while honoring her late husband, PGA Professional J.L. Lewis.
“The event really took off when we joined forces with Dawn Lewis and tied her husband’s name to the event,” said de Keratry. “J.L. Lewis’ impact on the game in Austin and in Southern Texas lives on with these scholarships and we are just happy to host a fun and enjoyable event.”
This year’s event featured over 170 players on Friday April 5th with each group featuring either a STPGA Professional, Touring Professional, or friend of J.L. Lewis.
\The big hit this year was the Thursday night kick-off party that featured country artist Kevin Fowler. The night allowed for everyone to network, listen to some great music, and share the impact that this event has on people within the community.
“Chris, Dawn, and Cimarron Hills do an awesome job with this event, and we appreciate their support of impacting lives through our Foundation,” said Thomas Hutton, Executive Director of the Southern Texas PGA. “They engage with the community from a partnership perspective, they run a fun event, and they raise money that supports our cause.”
This year’s fund will allow an even greater impact on our Foundation as it not only will grow the J.L. Lewis Scholarship from 4 winners to 7 winners but it will be the first time it supports the other three pillars of our Foundation.
This event will allow the STPGA to start the first ever PGA HOPE Cup that will feature veterans that have gone through our highly successful veteran program called PGA HOPE. The money will also be used to help fund 100 junior golfers with tournament entries into the STPGA Junior Golf Program. Lastly, our programs are not possible without our internship program and money will be used to continue to support this program and ensure the program is first class!
“We are not able to positively impact lives without funds to support our programs,” continued Hutton. “We are so grateful for everyone’s time, the local sponsors of the event, and everyone’s support.”
The J.L. Lewis Scholarship in 2024 will mark the fourth year that this scholarship will be awarded, bringing the total to $79,000 awarded. Southern Texas PGA Members continue to be the backbone of the industry by running high quality facilities, events like this, and raising money to impact lives. Thank you to Chris deKeratry and all of those involved
