How a 100-Year-Old Wareham Organization Is Rebranding and Expanding Scholarships

Wareham Community Associates is a nonprofit organization that's been around for over 100 years. In recent years, it has been raising money for scholarships by holding a one-day golf tournament.

The 3rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 19 at the Little Harbor Golf Course in Wareham. Community Associates President Apryl Rossi spoke with us this week on Townsquare Sunday about the organization and its future, along with details about the golf tournament.

A Century of Community Service in Wareham

"Wareham Community Associates was founded in 1922," Rossi said. "Back then, it was an all-male organization, made up of local businessmen who met every month to discuss things going on in and around the Wareham community."

Evolving From Clambakes to Golf Tournaments

The organization has since evolved, and four or five years ago its bylaws were rewritten by the organization's first female member, Attorney Jillian Morton. For many years, the Community Associates held a giant clambake to raise money for scholarships, but as the cost of seafood began to climb, it switched its focus to a golf tournament as a fundraiser.

"We've had great success with the golf tournament, and have awarded more Wareham High School students every year," Rossi said. "This year we were able to branch out and award scholarships to Wareham students attending Upper Cape Regional Tech as well."

white golf ball on green grass field during daytime

Tournament Details and Registration Information

The tournament itself will feature registration and a light breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8 a.m. A luncheon will follow at noon with awards and prizes taking place at 1 p.m. Registration is $100 for golfers who are walking the course and $125 for those using a cart.

Wareham Community Associates Looking to Expand Membership

Rossi said the Community Associates organization has about 15 active members at the moment, so she's attempting to infuse the group with additional members. "We do have a slightly more seasoned group of members at the moment, so we're actively looking for people who are committed to the town, committed to kids and want to be involved," she said.

"We want to engage in the community, and hope to give back," Rossi said. "We've partnered with other organizations this year in order to keep the 'give back' spirit going."

If you would like more information about the golf tournament, visit Wareham Community Associates on Facebook or send an email to warehamcommunityassoc@gmail.com.

If you would like your nonprofit group featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.