On September 9, 2024, the Wills Group will host the Eighth Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic, bringing together our valued partners to support and uplift communities across the Mid-Atlantic. Since its inception, this event has raised over $2.7 million for the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund, which continues to impact local communities through our signature programs focused on nourishing and reimagining communities.
The success of the Blackie Wills Golf Classic is made possible by the unwavering support of our partners and sponsors. In 2023, we successfully raised over $374,000, and this year, we aim to raise $400,000 to further our Community Engagement efforts. This event offers a unique blend of camaraderie and competition, enhanced by a spirit of giving and a full day of activities designed to maximize enjoyment and impact.
Event Overview
Early on September 9, participants will gather at the picturesque Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. Guests will kick off the day with registration and a grab-and-go breakfast before collecting their pre-assigned carts, tournament gifts, and raffle tickets. At 8:45 AM, golfers will gather for opening remarks and a brief overview of the rules, followed by a shotgun start to begin the tournament.
Golfers can choose from one of two courses, the Original or the Hialeah, allowing for two flights with a winner recognized in each. The tournament will use a “Captain’s Choice” format where teams select the best shot after each player tees off and play from that spot until the ball is holed out. Scoring will be recorded via the MGG Scoring Platform, with support available. Contests on each course include the Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Putt, generously sponsored by our partners. Mulligans are available for purchase to help golfers improve their scores.
Lunch will be served at grill stations on both courses, while premium beverage carts will be available throughout the day to keep golfers energized and refreshed.
The day will conclude with an awards reception at the Cameo Ballroom, where participants can celebrate their achievements and hear from community partners who benefit from the funds raised.
Community Impact
The Blackie Wills Golf Classic is a cornerstone of the Wills Group’s commitment to giving back. Proceeds from this event go directly to the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund, established in 2016 to honor Julian Blacklock “Blackie” Wills, Sr., former President of the Wills Group. The fund reinvests in local communities, helping individuals achieve their goals and fostering connections between our teams and the community.
Since 2016, the fund has raised over $2.7 million, empowering local communities through two key initiatives: Nourishing Children and Families and Reimagining Outdoor Spaces. These programs provide families access to healthy, well-balanced meals and revitalize outdoor public spaces where communities can connect and thrive.
Through Nourishing Children and Families, we’ve partnered with local nonprofits to provide grants that help feed those in need, ensuring no child or family goes hungry. In 2023, the Fund supported $797,000 in grants to 14 local nonprofit organizations that work to address immediate needs and support long-term solutions to persistent challenges such as food supply and distribution and access to fresh food.
Reimagining Outdoor Spaces focuses on creating vibrant, welcoming public spaces that encourage community interaction and recreation. In 2024, we donated $50,000 to Oasis Fresh Foods Market to support the development of a community garden. The community garden will be a space for residents to gather and access fresh, local produce.
Special thanks go to our community partners, who work with us year-round to bring these initiatives to life. We work hand-in-hand with partners who understand their communities’ needs and ensure they have the resources and support required to move people forward toward their goals and dreams—what we call keeping Lives in Motion. Their collaboration amplifies the reach and effectiveness of our programs, allowing us to make a difference where it matters most.
Golfing for Community
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, partners, and participants for making this event possible. Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities, one swing at a time.
As we approach the Eighth Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic, the power of community and collaboration is clear. Your support drives meaningful change across the Mid-Atlantic, helping communities thrive and honoring a legacy that inspires us to keep Lives in Motion. Thank you for being part of this mission, and we look forward to continued success and impact.
If you are interested in supporting our Community Engagement programs, please consider making a donation.
