Community Corner
RiverCrest Hosts the 19th Annual Dick Vermeil Invitational
The golf outing raises money for the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Anybody who has lived in the area for any amount of time and has a pulse knows the name Dick Vermeil.
The Super Bowl champion who that got the Eagles' ship righted after floundering in the doldrums of the NFL basement for years, earning the first Super Bowl appearance in team history in 1980, is a football legend and has always been a part of Chester County, even when he was in Kansas City.
On Tuesday afternoon at RiverCrest Golf Club, “Coach” Vermeil was on hand as the 19th Dick Vermeil Invitational Golf Outing for the Boy Scouts of America teed off.
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Coach Vermeil putted with every group that came through the 18th hole and spent time with any friends or fans who wanted to chat with him.
“Dick is just one of those special guys that never stops giving,” said former Flyer and 2-time Stanley Cup champion Bob “Hound” Kelly. “We have always been treated so well by the community that when we have a chance to give something back and for such a good cause, I am happy to be involved.”
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The day was filled with fun, golf, celebrities from all walks and of course stories to share for a lifetime. One such player who will always remember his round was Malvern Prep High School Vice President Martin Farrell, who got to play 18 holes with Philadelphia radio legend Tom Lemaine and pro football hall of famer Tommy McDonald.
“This is a dream come true,” said Farrell. “I got to play golf all day with Tommy McDonald. This is for such a good cause as the Boy Scouts are a very important part of our youth culture and we need to do whatever we can to make sure they continue to provide such a great outlet for young men to learn self reliance, confidence and honor.”
McDonald, who is worth the price of admission as they say, electrified his group by slinking a putt from 87 yards to within five feet of the hole, giving his team an opportunity for a birdie.
“I love the area and these men I am playing with are like my family,” said McDonald. “I have fun doing this even though I don’t think I help much. Whenever we can give back and help kids, it is a worthwhile thing to do. Everyone in the Philadelphia area has always been so good to me, and I just love helping Dick [Vermeil] with this outing to raise money.”
No event in today’s world can survive the test of time without incredible support form local businesses and sponsors.
Wawa, KPMG, NHS Foundation, The W. Group, Vermeil Enterprises, Lasko, Exelon and many others helped provide financial support and service along with an army of volunteers manning holes and refreshment stations throughout the amazing lay out.
There was a silent auction featuring items from a signed Charlie Manuel baseball, an Eli Manning helmet to a pass for four to play golf and stay at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.
With a star-studded dinner and the silent auction, the day was complete and every player came out a winner, especially the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
“The people who come here every year are special people,” said Coach Vermeil, who is the honorary chairman. “Seeing friends and former players who I have known for years is always a part of this that I really look forward to. It can be very emotional at times, but the purpose is to raise money for these fine kids who are scouts and making sure that they are able to continue to build programs and continue to grow.”
“Dick asked me to get involved a few years ago, when we had 20 celebrities coming to this event,” said Tourney Chairman Kevin Reilly. “We have more than 45 celebrities here today and we are having people call us all the time as more and more want to get involved, because Coach Vermeil is such an extraordinary person and they really want to help him.”
“We, as a company that is deeply involved with the community, feel it’s very important to be a part of a tournament like this,” said Exelon Representative Tim Wirth. “We have offices all over Pennsylvania and Chester County. This is our home as well and we want to support our youth in any way we can and the Boy Scouts are a very important part of building quality young men to lead for tomorrow.”
Please watch Patch for in-depth features on the local Boy Scouts who benefit form the tournament, as well as Mr. Reilly's come back from amputee to motivational speaker. We will also feature an in depth look at Coach Vermeil and his Chester County legacy.
