Changing Students’ Futures, One Round at a Time

Changing Students’ Futures, One Round at a Time: Brookdale Foundation Invites Community to 47th Annual Education Open Golf Tournament

For many Brookdale Community College students, a scholarship means the difference between putting their education on hold and achieving a lifelong dream. On Monday, September 28, the community will have an opportunity to help make those dreams possible by participating in the 47th Annual Education Open Golf Tournament, benefiting student scholarships through the Brookdale Community College Foundation.

The scholarships funded through the Brookdale Community College Foundation enable students to earn associate degrees, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, complete workforce certificate programs, and begin meaningful careers. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and tournament participants over the years, thousands of students have been able to pursue educational opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.

“Every golfer, sponsor, and donor who participates is making an investment in a student’s future,” said Nancy Kaari, vice president of Advancement. “The Education Open is one of our most important fundraising events because it directly supports scholarships that change lives. Whether someone joins us on the course or simply makes a donation, they become part of a community committed to expanding access to education.”

This year’s tournament will honor Provident Bank for its longstanding partnership with Brookdale Community College and its unwavering commitment to student success. Since 2015, Provident Bank has maintained executive-level representation on the Brookdale Community College Foundation Board of Trustees while supporting scholarships, Foundation initiatives, and fundraising events that create opportunities for students throughout Monmouth County.

Golfers will enjoy one of New Jersey’s premier courses at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, the state’s only Nicklaus Design course. The championship Par-71 layout stretches more than 7,100 yards through links-style fairways, wooded landscapes, and rolling terrain, offering a memorable experience for players of every skill level.

The day begins with registration, breakfast, and use of the driving range at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start in a scramble format. After play concludes, participants will gather for a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner reception, awards, and networking.

Businesses and organizations can further support the Foundation through a variety of sponsorship opportunities, while golfers may register as individuals or foursomes. Community members who don’t golf are also invited to participate by attending the evening dinner reception, bidding on silent auction items, purchasing raffle tickets, or making a donation to help fund scholarships for deserving Brookdale students.

The 2026 Education Open is co-chaired by Bettina Munson and Carmen Penta, whose leadership and dedication are helping make this year’s event another meaningful investment in Brookdale students and their futures.

For registration, sponsorship information, dinner reservations, raffle tickets, or to make a donation, visit the website or contact the Brookdale Community College Foundation at foundation@brookdalecc.edu.

The Foundation’s mission is simple but powerful: to help students achieve their dreams of earning a college degree. On September 28, the community is invited to turn a day on the golf course into an investment in the next generation of nurses, teachers, entrepreneurs, first responders, business leaders, and countless other professionals who will shape the future of Monmouth County and beyond.