BY JUDY GOLDBACH
The Ezra Goldbach Foundation was established in 2017 as a non-profit organization formed in the memory of Ezra Goldbach, an 18-year-old freshman college student at Campbell University in the five-year golf management program. Ezra had a love for family, friends, and sports but a real passion for golf.
On July 28, 2017, we had our first Ezra Goldbach Foundation Golf Tournament in Ezra’s memory and to honor his love for golf. Our goal was to be able to generate enough money to award two scholarships to upcoming students with academic merit; who have an interest in golf; or want to be on their high school golf team. The week before the event, the tournament was full to the maximum capacity. We were overwhelmed by the love and support from family, friends and the community for Ezra and all of us. Pilot Knob Park Country Club was so accommodating to hold the event there. The country club volunteered to let us use their kitchen, and their cooks even volunteered their services. All the food was donated from different restaurants and people in the community. People said, “What can I do to help?” It is such a great feeling that an 18-year-old left that big of an impression on so many people, young and old. We just couldn’t believe how many people wanted to donate and volunteer. It was such an outpouring of love!
We know how much we loved Ezra, but everywhere you went people talked about him as the smiley, blonde headed young man that was always friendly and just loved going to the golf course to play. It just warms your heart and makes you feel so good!
On Friday, May 25, 2018, we had the honor of awarding the two students with scholarships from the foundation. They were both at two different schools and counties. One was awarded by Ezra’s dad, Don Goldbach, to Jamie Smith at East Surry High School, and the other was awarded by Ezra’s stepmother, Brenna Goldbach, to Ashleigh Washburn at South Stokes High School. What a wonderful feeling to know we all did a wonderful thing in Ezra’s memory. At Christmas time, Ezra’s family went shopping for the foundation and donated a full Christmas to an underprivileged family in King – new bikes for all the children, clothes and food. And in the spring, the foundation was involved in building a playground for children with disabilities in King. D & J Quality Concrete employees donated their time and services to pour the concrete under the shelter for the playground and a bench will be placed there in Ezra’s memory.
On Friday, July 27, 2018, we are having our 2nd Annual Ezra Goldbach Golf Tournament, and we already have received several teams. There are 18 teams in the morning and 18 in the afternoon. It is Captain’s Choice/Scramble format and registration is $75 per person with four on a team. We are also starting to get items for the silent auction which was a huge success last year! Be watching the Facebook page of the Ezra Goldbach Foundation Golf Tournament. Sponsorship levels available are Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Tee.
