Our beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and dear friend Chad always had a tendency to say, "you know what I was thinking?" He would always have some grandiose idea whether it was covering the entire backyard with a lavish desk design or installing an elevator in a two-story beach house! In June 1997, at the age of 29, Chad's life tragically ended in an automobile accident.
Some time had passed when family and friends were gathered during the holidays. We embarked upon the Chad "syndrome," which began with "you know what we can do," and ended with "we can hold a golf tournament in memory of Chad and raise money to benefit a charity." Chad, our entire family and friends were fond of the
Make-A-Wish Foundation
of the Mid-Atlantic because a family member who was born with a life-threatening condition, Alyssa Matus, had a wish to go to Disney World fulfilled by the organization. In the fall of 2001 after nine magical years of touching people's lives, Alyssa's life journey came to an end.
We were inspired by tragedy and our crazy idea has resulted in something we could have never dreamed of. In just five years, our "grass roots" charity has fulfilled the wishes of 24 truly wonderful children whose families live in your community. We’ve also donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross and $6,000 to MPS. People and companies who open their hearts in support of our cause make our success possible. Our annual tournament has grown to 144 golfers, dozens of corporate sponsors and thousands of dollars in cash donations.
Net event proceeds are donated to the
Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. Our hope this year is to fulfill even more wishes in memory of both Chad and Alyssa. Come and join us. Be inspired with us. Experience how truly wonderful and magical it is to make wishes come true.
Our History
In July of 2000, we officially formed a Maryland 501 3(c)
corporation known as Chad Blum Memorial Charities, Inc. The 501 3(c)
is a non-profit designation thereby allowing all donations to be tax
deductible. Of the $130 fee for the golf outing and dinner banquet,
$50 is tax deductible as it goes directly to the Chad Blum Memorial
Charities (CBMC). CBMC then donates event net proceeds to the
Make-A-Wish
Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. It has yet to be determined as to whether CBMC will
identify other charitable organizations or causes to support in the
future but we can only hope we're able to.
Our 2000 tournament brought out over
100 golfers, 50 corporate sponsors, 60 banquet attendees and
outright donations that resulted in raising over $15,000. This time
we were able to grant wishes to three children and their families.
Not bad for our 2nd year out of the gate.
In 2001, Chad arranged a picture
perfect day with blue skies and temps in the low 80s.
Sponsors, Golfers, Feasters, Donations, Mulligan & Raffle Ticket
Sales, and a very successful silent auction resulted in raising over
$20,000 for our 2001 tournament!!!!! CBMC, Inc decided
to grant wishes to two children in our community, through the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, and donate $5,000 to the American Red Cross
for disaster relief efforts.
Chad Blum Memorial Charities also supported a 2001
Christmas
in April (now known as
Rebuilding Together Baltimore) effort in East Baltimore. Our
mission was to partner with
Rebuilding Together Baltimore to preserve and revitalize houses
and communities, assuring that low-income homeowners, particularly
those who are elderly and disabled and families with children, live
in warmth, safety, and independence.
Our goal is to make a
sustainable impact in partnership with communities. The one-day
barn-raising type effort resulted in dramatic home improvements for
an elderly man named Wert who lived by himself.
We just might be able to with help
from each and every one of you.
Please visit the Wishes
Granted page for more information on what we have accomplished!
