Shamrock Open Golf Tournament ICT

HISTORY

A classmate from the graduating class of Cathedral High School 1951, made a phone call following the 50th

class reunion. That phone call suggested the ’51 class do something of a charitable nature. A classmate in Texas called Sister Mary Cleta at the St. Joseph

Mount St. Mary convent, who happened to be his 4 th grade teacher. This occurred in 2002 and sparked an

incredible undertaking

. It was found that the Sisters were operating the “Dear Neighbor Ministries” program

to help the poor and underserved in the Hilltop Manor area next to the Mount property. It was indicated that

they were trying to raise $4,000. to fund siding for a house used to help abused women and children. Four

classmates got together to reach everyone who came to the reunion, as well as all others to raise the funds. A classmate in San Francisco contacted the group stating that he had a charitable foundation and if we could

raise $7,500 he’d match it. The group then expanded the reach to all the alumni of the old Cathedral High

School to reach the goal. It happened, and over $15,000 was turned over to Dear Neighbor Ministries. This was accomplished by creating a “brand” called Project: Payback. Using talking points such as “They

helped us, now we can help them.” And “This is our opportunity to say ‘Thank you’ to the Sisters who

taught us.”

Project: Payback seemed to inspire others as well and donations poured in. Then early in 2004 the idea

came about to have a golf tournament as a highly visible vehicle to raise additional funds for the DNM. It happened and the Shamrock Open was born. The first year over $15,000 was raised for the ministry, and

now through the 13 th annual tournament combined with all the other Project: Payback donations we are

closing in on $700,000 raised.