Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the National Museum of Funeral History welcomed supporters to its 23rd Annual NMFH Charity Golf Classic on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Kingwood Country Club, in Kingwood, TX. The Charity Golf Classic is a fun-filled fundraiser created to support the Museum and its mission, enlighten visitors about one of man’s oldest cultural rituals and celebrate the rich history of funeral service. This year’s Golf Classic was the Museum’s most successful fundraiser yet.
As teams of business executives and funeral industry professionals arrived from across the country, rain showers did not dampen the spirits of those who took to the greens to raise funds for the Museum and its programs.
The President of the National Museum of Funeral History Genevieve Keeney stated, “The tournament was a huge success in spite of the rain. It’s a day that brings together so many great people in the industry.”
The morning began with breakfast. After the rain subsided, players competed in a five-person golf scramble. On-course contests with tee-prizes and professional long drive fundraising entertainment were located throughout the course. Following the 18 holes, players retreated to the clubhouse for an awards ceremony.
Keeney stated, “I am very grateful to all who came out to support the museum; the sponsors, players, committee members, museum board of directors and the volunteers.”
Platinum Sponsors included American Funeral Supply Co., Assurant Solutions, Batesville Casket Company, BrightView, Carrier Mausoleums Construction, Inc., Hauck Enterprises, Keith M. Merrick Company, Inc., Matthews International Corporation, Messenger, LLC, Teligistics and Wheels, Inc.
Sponsor Appreciation Night
The evening before the Charity Golf Classic, the Museum held a Sponsor Appreciation Night. Sponsors and guests explored the Museum and a new special exhibit, A Tribute to George Barris.
George Barris, known throughout the world as the original King of Kustomizers, created iconic automobiles for shows including The Beverly Hillbillies, The Munsters and Knight Rider.
Not only is a replica of the 1966 Batmobile on exhibit, there is a replica of the casket George Barris was buried in recreated by the original casket designer, Richie Valles, a memorial folder from Barris’ funeral along with other personal memorabilia. The replica Batmobile is owned by Museum Board Member Buck Kamphausen, who collects cars.
“Buck Kamphausen has an outstanding private collection of unique automobiles and has fascinating hearses that are on exhibition in the museum. Buck donated the replica of the casket designed by Richie Valles to the museum’s permanent collection,” said Keeney.
Guests also caught a glimpse of a mock-up of the Museum’s Donor Niche Wall donated by Carrier Mausoleums Construction, Inc., that provides an opportunity for the industry and visitors to support the upcoming History of Cremation Exhibit, which is set to open in late 2018. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and the National Museum of Funeral History have teamed up to create and present the first every History of Cremation Exhibit documenting the birth and growth of cremation in North America.
To view photos from the National Museum of Funeral History’s 23rd Annual Charity Golf Classic and Sponsor Appreciation Night, go to www.nmfh.org
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