CES Employee Raises Nearly $3,000 for Folds of Honor
City Electric Supply (CES) has always encouraged employees to give back to their communities, whether through its social impact division, CES Cares, or participating in local initiatives across the country.
And Outside Salesman Keith Tate of CES Gainesville East did just that.
“One evening, I was watching the news when I saw a commercial about an organization called Folds of Honor,” said Keith.
Founded in 2007, Folds of Honor is an organization that provides academic scholarships to families of America’s fallen or disabled military veterans and first responders.
“Folds of Honor has helped grant over 44,000 scholarships since its start,” Keith added.
But that wasn’t the only reason why he wanted to take part in the organization.
“I have a nephew who was in the Army, and my son-in-law is in law enforcement as a lieutenant,” Keith said. “But my nephew has lost some close friends in combat. And when I saw on television what the founder, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, was doing with Folds of Honor, I wanted to see how I could help.”
Stepping up to the Challenge
Keith joined the organization’s email list to get alerts on upcoming fundraising events.
“That’s when I learned about the golf marathon,” he explained. “It was Folds of Honor’s 2nd golf event in Florida called the HERO100. It’s where you play golf from sunup to sundown for 100 holes. So, I decided, ‘I’m up for a challenge.’”
Soon after, Keith signed up.
“I went ahead and started sending emails to friends, family, and customers to help raise money during the golf marathon,” he added.
The initial goal was to raise $2,500.
“Ninety-one percent of the money raised for Folds of Honor goes to funding scholarships,” he said.
On the day of the event, Keith headed out to the course at dawn.
Bright & Early at the Golf Course
“I arrived at the golf course at about at six forty-five that morning. At around seven, I received my equipment with a cart. Fifteen minutes later, the sun came up, and I was off,” said Keith. “I played by myself for a little while, then an army veteran caught up with me at my second 18, and we played about five or six holes together.”
Keith had more people join him.
“Then my wife came along with me for a little while. I had 11 customers come out to donate during the event, along with a few of my colleagues,” said Keith.
CES Colleagues, Customers, and Vendors Come Together
District Manager Jeremy Brosius donated $250, two vendors provided some donations, and some customers donated $50, $100, and even $200 per hole.
“I was very grateful to those who donated during the event,” he added. “It’s not about me though. It’s about helping the families of the fallen and disabled.”
And he soon met a real-life example of the organization accomplishing this goal.
“At 2 o’clock, Folds of Honor had a recipient come and speak,” Keith recalled.
As Keith was listening, he was further reminded why he became involved with Folds of Honor.
“The speaker was a widowed wife with three young kids whose husband lost his life while in service. One of them now is a freshman in college, and the other two are 11 and 13, and having all three of them covered for when they go off to school was a great motivator for me,” he said.
Keith’s goal to complete the golf marathon continued until that evening.
Going Over the Goal
“I finished at my 90th hole. It was a brutal day. I almost made it. But I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Keith.
Although he didn’t play 100 holes, he raised well above his initial goal of $2,500.
“I was able to raise almost $2,800,” he added.
Keith’s great effort didn’t go unnoticed.
“We are grateful to proud patriots like Keith. This is truly a community effort of patriots who understand the needs of the military and first responders’ families we serve and want to help,” said Regional Impact Officer of Folds of Honor Jessica Everett.
And Keith hopes to continue giving back to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I love my country. I love our military.”