IFMA Greater Phoenix Chapter aces its annual charity golf event, giving back to community

TEMPE, ARIZ. (Nov. 14, 2024) ‒ The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, hosted its annual charity golf tournament.

One of the Chapter’s most popular events, this year’s tourney at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix again set a record for tee boxes and foursomes selling out early.

For the past few years, the Chapter has supported three charities: Girls Can Build, Lokahi Teams and the IFMA Foundation.

Girls Can Build is an Arizona-based initiative powered by Sharp Construction, LLC with a mission to break down barriers to women in the industries of Construction, Design, Engineering, and Technology. By spearheading and supporting projects, opportunities and mentorship in these industries, they aim to inspire young women to be Bold To Build.

Lokahi Teams emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community through youth athletic programs, both recreational and scholastic. Its goal is to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in as many athletic endeavors as possible. Lokahi Teams helps children acquire various equipment, uniforms or facilities as well as cover the costs of participation fees.

The IFMA Foundation is dedicated to promoting education for the facility management profession worldwide and making facility management a career of choice. Donations raised for the IFMA Foundation go towards scholarship funds and other efforts to advance the education and career path of facilities management.

“The enthusiasm and support for the golf tournament by our Chapter is a testament to the willingness of our members to give back to the community,” said Chapter President Monisa (MJ) Nagarajan Gomathi, CFM, FMP, SFP, FMG, LEED Green Associate, Facilities Project Manager with Terracon. “Our three main charities benefit greatly from all the hard work – and fun – that we put into organizing this great event.”

In addition to the charity fundraising, IFMA Greater Phoenix Chapter tee box sponsors, tournament players, and volunteers participated in a costume contest. Players also had additional opportunities on the course to become tournament champions.

This year’s winners:

  • Longest Drive Women: Mary Crowder
  • Longest Drive Men: Mike Mason
  • Closest to the Pin: Ryan Whitney

Foursomes

  • Most Honest: Metro Fire
  • Second Place: Dave Downing
  • First Place: EFCI
  • Third Place Tee Box: Ghaster Painting
  • Second Place Tee Box: Restoration HQ
  • First Place Tee Box: TEPCON (‘Hocus Pocus’)

Best costumes

  • Men: Ray Orndorff (Sam I Am)
  • Women: Kristy Schlesselman (Helen from ‘Death Becomes Her,’ lady with golf hole)
  • Best Ensemble: IPSA (Average Joes)

The Greater Phoenix Chapter of IFMA, formed in 1985, is one of the top association chapters in the world and winner of IFMA’s Large Chapter of the Year in 2012. It is dedicated to continuously improving the facility management profession by providing relevant educational and networking opportunities for its membership while supporting the community as a whole. For more information about the Phoenix chapter, click on ifmaphoenix.org.

PHOTOS: #1: Tee Box first-place winner, TEPCON Construction, “Hocus Pocus.” Not Restoration HQ. #2: Best costumes, Ray Orndorff, Sam I Am; Kristy Schlesselman, Helen from ‘Death Becomes Her.’