Even though temperatures were expected to approach the triple-digits, golfers arrived early at the Shingle Creek Golf Club on Sunday morning for the 4th Annual NACM Scholarship Foundation Golf Outing. Blue skies provided an endless canopy while green links stretched for more than 7,200 yards as Credit Congress attendees made their way to the tees of one of Golfweek’s Top 40 New Courses in America.  As usual, the tournament was a scramble/best ball format where players were able to purchase mulligans, with all proceeds benefiting the NACM Scholarship Foundation. This year's winning foursome was Maddie Gockel, Graydon International, Gary Cline, CCE, Crop Production Service, Inc. (CPS), Lee Shepard, Northwest Farm Credit Services and Charles Scott, Jr., CCE, FMC Corporation. For the second straight year, the winning team finished with a strong performance at 12 under par, even more commendable considering the course’s champion-caliber difficulty. "It’s always a good time,” said Stephanie Arkenbout, business development manager, Graydon International. “Last year I won. This year I was almost at the bottom, but it doesn’t matter. It’s good golf—I liked the course a lot—and it’s a lot of fun.”

Though not everyone could participate in this year’s Golf Outing, there were still other chances for members to contribute to the ongoing success of NACM’s Scholarship Foundation. Another noted fundraiser is the Scholarship’s Silent Auction, held this year on the Expo floor during the Beer & Browse Reception on Monday night. Attendees had 90 minutes to take action on a broad array of donated items, many of which drew frenzied bids despite the nation’s economic struggles, demonstrating the dedication of NACM’s members. Items ran the gamete from iPods, to Tahitian black pearl earrings and other fine jewelry, a selection of various gift cards, designer handbags and purses from Coach and Kate Spade, as well as a digital cameras and other sought-after items. Overall, this year's auction brought in more than $8,600 to benefit the Foundation, making it easier for credit professionals to take advantage of future NACM educational and networking opportunities.

In the NACM Bookstore, beyond the valuable educational wares, attendees were also able to purchase sunglasses that entered them into a raffle to win a free registration to next year's Credit Congress in Las Vegas, Nevada. To see who took the gold in the drawing, check out the coverage of this year's Closing Night Party!

NACM thanks all who have generously donated to the Scholarship Foundation by participating at Credit Congress through the Golf Outing, donating to or bidding on items at the Silent Auction, purchasing beads, or throughout the year by that extra gift on your registration form or contributing directly via mail. Please remember that you can donate to the foundation all year long!