The Children's Museum in Easton's Family Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

This past Columbus Day, October 13, marked the 10^th successful year of The Children’s Museum in Easton’s Play FORE! Kids Family Golf Tournament. Despite the chilly October air, the event drew 100 golfers including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, kids, friends of the Museum and local golf enthusiasts.

We sat down with several first-time participants to discuss their experience at the tournament. John Mullen, Museum member and father of two, was the winner of the Putting Contest with the only sunk putt. Mullen tells us, with a wink, that he can’t wait to return next year, “If I’m invited!”

Sam and his family showing off their raffle prizes. 

Samuel Schumacher, age 10, one of the winners of the Kids Chipping Contest at 23 inches to the pin, also won two raffle prizes. Jared Clapp, also 10, has been playing golf for about five years. Jared was the winner of the Kids Chipping Contest on the front 9, and says that his favorite part of the tournament is the raffle.

Finally, we talked with Michelle Casey, a new committee member this year, about the successes and even the difficulties that come with planning the tournament. Casey stresses the importance of spreading the word about this family-friendly event to new families: “[It] is such a fun event. We had so many new families this year, and they all loved it.” Casey’s three boys are now ages 7, 8 and 9, but used to visit the Museum all the time. Casey explains that her favorite part of the tournament is the family time—and the firework display that concludes the night.

The winning team, with a score of 7 under par for the 9-hole event was the Rubin Foursome. Second and third place were decided by a one-hole “card-off!” The Riley Foursome finished in second place with five under par, and the Bissonette Foursome took home the third place title.

Lucas Riley giving it his best shot at the Chipping Contest.

Matthew Orphanos is all smiles on the green.

The night produced several individual contest winners. The winners of the longest putt on the front and back 9 went to Frank Meissner and Mark Bissonette, respectively. The winners of the Closest to the Pin Contest were Ryan Riley and Mark Lombardi. The titles of Straightest Drive went to both Mike Stecker and Rich Kerr. And finally, the winners of the Kids Chipping Contest were Jared Clapp and Samuel Schumacher, both age 10.

This annual event raises funds that support not only Museum admissions and programs, but also the Museum’s outreach and service to needy and under-served families in the Metro South region. This year, more than 40 sponsors from the Easton and greater Brockton area business community showed their support by helping with the expenses of running the tournament.  More than 50 area venues, sports teams, resorts, restaurants and service companies donated goods and services for the raffle that preceded the firework show at the conclusion of the night.

The Casey Boys get ready to chip.

The Museum would like to thank Evolution Sports Performance of Easton, Sharon and Kingston, MA for their sponsorship of the fireworks display—one of the most popular moments of the night, as well as the many sponsoring businesses and families. For the full list of our sponsors click here. The Museum would also like to extend its thanks to everyone that came out in support of the Museum and its family-fun event. We hope to see some new faces next year for another swinging day of golf FORE! kids.

*Written by Deanna Haas, PR Intern 

Golfing FORE education!

It was a beautiful 80 degree day on Monday, October 10th, as numerous families and supporters came with bright, cheerful faces playing golf in this year's Play Fore Kids! Golf Tournament. Set at the beautiful Easton Country Club this years tournament did not disappoint.

The golf tournament featured numerous activities and contests for all ages. Participants enjoyed 9-holes of golf on Easton Country Club's beautiful courses, delicious pulled-pork sandwiches from Chilli Head Barbecue on the go, a hold-in-one contest at the 16th hole for a chance to win a trip to Disney for a family of four. The tournament reception dinner was followed by magnificent fireworks to end the night. Thanks to Evolution Sports Performance, Rockland Trust, Dr. Mark Halvorsen, DMD, PC Orthodontics, and our other generous sponsors for making this event a huge success.

Check out the photos of the event and follow our golf tournament page on facebook!

All Proceeds benefited the Museum's outreach and service to needy and underserved families in the Metro South Area.

Annual Children's Museum "Golf Fore! Kids" Tournament is a hole in one

It was another successful year at The Children’s Museum “Play Fore Kids Golf Tournament,” where families gathered at the Easton Country Club on Columbus Day. Over 100 participants were in attendance, including: moms and dads with their kids, grandparents, cousins, close family friends, and even some new ones that were met along the green.

The cool, crisp breeze mixed with the bright sun allowed for a pristine autumn golfing experience. Players competed against some exciting challenges such as: closest to the pin challenge, Longest Drive, Hole in One, Straightest Drive, 50/50, and more. Winners were not the only ones who walked away with prizes due to the numerous raffles donated by local families and businesses that were won by other ones. These raffle prizes covered a cornucopia of items ranging from a “Mom’s Dream Day Basket,” to a “Bruin’s Gold” packaged that contained an autographed photo and puck from Tuukka Rask.


The raffles and delicious catered dinner was followed by one of the most electric fireworks display in the area. Families and friends gathered outside to watch an over 15 min display that captivated the audience and put the finishing touch on a fun and eventful day. Before everyone began to depart, The Children’s Museum had the privilege of talking to some stand out players who participated at the tournament.

Jim Shapiro, annual player of the golf tournament, said: “the gold tournament is a great chance for all generations of family to spend time and play together.” Jim has been a sponsor of “Play Fore Kid’s Golf Tournament” since the beginning. His family, who scored 1st place in the novice category, insisted that the win was “contributed by the entire family,” making the victory even more special. Jim’s company, Audio Visual Intelligence, was kind enough to sponsor this event.

Another victorious competitor was 11 year old Ryan McGarry. Ryan stunned players by hitting the ball on the green from 131 yards away. His $10 reward was the first of many throughout the evening. Ryan, who has been playing golf for over 4 years, said “Easton Country Club offers players a great challenge that helps improve their game.” This competitive quality definitely worked in the McGarry’s favor. Although Ryan is undoubtedly competitive, he said to us that playing with his family was the best part about the day.” Ryan’s father, Sean, went on to say: “The Children’s Museum in Easton does a great job of organizing these events by reaching out to the community and providing families with a place to go.” Sean, Ryan, and the rest of their family placed nobly in 3rd place in the competitive category.

Tom James and his step son Zach wowed players with a 2nd place finish in the competitive category. In their first time golfing together, Tom noted that “Easton Country Club allows players of all experience levels the ability to compete together.” He went on to say “the course is designed so anyone from novice level to expert can have a great time playing.” Tom, who is an employee at Easton Country Club, stated that “The Children’s Museum does fantastic charity work,” something he is also passionate about. Tom lastly stated that “Playing with my step son Zach was such a great experience.” On that note Tom took off with Zach to go catch the start of the fireworks celebration.

The fireworks were generously donated by Evolution Sports Performance, allowing families to truly cap off a great Columbus Day.

Golf Fore the Kids!!

On October 12th (Columbus Day), at the Easton Country Club the Children's Museum in Easton will be holding our annual Golf Tournament! This is our fifth tournament and this years looks to be the best ever! It will be fun for everyone no matter the age or skill at golf.

There are a bunch of cool activities you can take part in. First up is nine holes of golf in two teams made up of a child and adult partner. So it can be Mom and sister against Dad and brother for instance! There is going to be two separate flights of nine holes, one for a novice team (for any beginner golfer 7 years or older) and then another one for intermediate or advanced golfers.

Not a golfer? No idea how to play? No worries! There is going to be a “Getting Started” Golf Clinic from 1-2 pm, before tee-off! Learn those skills, or brush up on them, before the tournament starts! But since space is limited make sure to call 508-230-3789 to reserve your spot.

Still no sure if you want to play? Thats ok, you don't have to, but be sure to attend a great family-style dinner at 5:30! Meet up with your family of golfers and sit down to some great dinner at the clubhouse! It will be full of fun, food, awards and raffles! But the night isn't over yet! At 6:45 look to the skies for some awesome fireworks to top off a great day!

If you want to learn more check out the Golf Tournament check out the web page, where you can also register. Any more questions either e-mail us at info@childrensmuseumineaston.org or call us directly at: (508) 230-3789.

We look forward to seeing you all there for a day of golf, fun, family and fireworks!