GMCRA tees up tourney to support local food bank, educational efforts

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Tee up for a good cause, and expand your professional network all at the same time. The Greater Montgomery County Restaurant Association invites its members in the food-service community, prospective members and individuals who love a great golf outing to participate in its annual GMCRA Charity Golf Classic. The tournament will grace the fairways at the La Toretta Resort in Conroe on Oct. 13, with registration at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. tee time. All proceeds will benefit the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

“Whether you are a local restaurateur, a local business, or just a golf enthusiast, come join us in an event that continues to build each year,” says GMCRA President Terry McBurney. “We raise money for two great causes that our membership feels strongly about — feeding those in need in Montgomery County and helping our community by training young people for jobs in the dynamic food-service industry.”

Sponsorships are still available for the tournament, at numerous commitment levels that range from just $200 for a hole sponsorship to $20,000 to become a “Front of the House” sponsor of the event with commensurate marketing and publicity benefits.

The La Toretta Lake Resort’s 18-hole championship course was recently redesigned by Jeffrey D. Blume to include several risk-reward holes and an upgraded putting surface. Near the banks of Lake Conroe, the golf course boasts a gorgeous setting.

“It’s a tough but rewarding golf course,” says McBurney. “We are looking forward to having this year’s event at La Toretta.”

The Greater Montgomery County Restaurant Association has over 100 members from all facets of the food-service and hospitality industries. The group represents its members’ interests in local and state government and educates constituents on key legislative issues.

Many of the members work closely with the Montgomery County Food Bank on a continuous basis. Additionally, the GMCRA has been a founding partner in area educational efforts, including the Conroe Independent School District’s Culinary Arts program. The CISD Culinary Arts program offers an accredited, two-year program that puts students in restaurant-caliber kitchens where they can learn a range of food-service skills including food preparation, budgeting, and inventory management.