Party With A Purpose

The 2019 Pink Ball Invitational Growing Strong In Fifth Year

Story and Photography By Raoul Dennis

While the rain may have stopped the golf; it didn’t stop the good times-or the road to putting students through college.

A non-sibling rivalry occasion: Tom Graham (right) and sister, Melanie Bailey. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS//PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

As it has been his custom for the last few years, Thomas Graham gets together with a few hundred of his closest friends and family to celebrate his birthday and hold the Annual Pink Ball Invitational - a golf tournament, where golfers of all levels bring their “A” game and their wallets to “Tee” off and raise money for a worthy cause at the Country Club at Woodmore.

Instead of a round of golf, this year brought a round of rain heavy enough to prevent all from participating in the tourney on May 5. But the fun never stops where there is good company and a great cause (click here for photos).

 Graham established the endowment scholarship, named in honor of his mother, Olive C. Graham, to give back to his old alma mater, University of Tampa. The scholarship is awarded yearly to a deserving minority student-athlete in the field of business or science attending the University. As of last year, over $217,000 had been raised; Graham’s goal is to raise $500,000 within 10 years.

The events of the day included a reception that offered entertainment, food, beverages, hand-rolled cigars and a cognac tasting.  Graham welcomed a host of Maryland State and Prince George’s County community leaders including County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Congressman Anthony Brown and founders of the Proctor Foundation, Steve and Dianne Proctor. (Full story to come).