April 20, 2022 - The game of golf is a relaxing way to spend a few hours outside with others, connecting as strangers and leaving as friends. Once a year, CLT uses the game to connect people with possibility, as dozens of players enjoy a day on the links for the privilege of bettering the lives of those less fortunate.
Connections, not just at the terminal but on the golf course, can unlock the doors to a better life. The 2021 CLT Charity Golf Tournament connected – and bettered- the life of native Charlottean and U.S. Army veteran Maurice Lowery.
Lowery had a comfortable career in IT at Wells Fargo. That is until 2020 when the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. Like millions of others, Lowery was laid off and wasn’t sure what to do next.
After applying for dozens of jobs and receiving very few responses – most telling him he did or did not have enough experience –Lowery logged on to Facebook one day. That seemingly routine act changed the course of his life. In the act of scrolling, Lowery discovered he could register to apply for the HVAC class at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont’s Construction and Trade Skills Training program.
Like many golfers playing at Ballantyne Country Club on a gray day in May 2021, Lowery swung and hoped for the best. It was among the best shots of his life. The next day, he received a response from Goodwill.
“I went through the process and once I got into the class, everything has been bright,” Lowery said.
With little previous exposure to how HVAC works, Lowery threw himself into the program, and the results were more than he hoped for. Now an appliance technician at Sears, Lowery is grateful to everyone that helped change the course of his life – the donors at the Golf Tournament, Goodwill, and by proxy, Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “I jumped right back into the workforce because they saw that I went through this Goodwill program, which showed them that I could learn the trade. I never worked on Sears appliances, but it showed them I had the ability to learn.”
A life was changed because of a game founded by Scots in the 15th Century.
Appearing at the Charity Golf Tournament, Lowery was able to thank everyone for changing his life. He also helped put a face to the program and validated why everyone was enjoying a round of golf – while connecting a resident back to the workforce. Before everyone piled into their carts to begin their rounds, Lowery was asked to speak and thank everyone for changing his life.
“The great thing about the golf tournament was it allowed some of the donors to see where their money is going,” Lowery explained. “Anyone can give money and use it as a tax write-off, but if you really want to help someone and see where your money is going, it is helpful, because their money is truly helping someone and their family.”
Lowery’s heartfelt remarks moved one donor. “A gentlemen came up to me and handed me his business card,” Lowery said. “He told me if I ever needed a job, I could always call him because now he sees where his company’s money is going.”
In two years, the CLT Charity Golf Tournament at Ballantyne Country Club has raised nearly $170,000 for community organizations surrounding the Airport. Last year’s edition raised $79,600 for Goodwill.
There are people in this world who need one chance in life. Lowery is grateful for his and encourages others to take one.
“If you are willing to work, there are people out there who are willing to work with you. This tournament made me realize that all of this work is not for nothing and an acknowledgment of what you are doing.”
Learn more about Connections Don’t Just Happen at the Terminal.