L-R: Rick Cardoza, PGA Professional; Dr. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational School District; Michael Baldassarre, Superintendent of Uxbridge Schools;  Robert Ringuette, Principal of Douglas High School; Gordon Bliss, Owner of Blissful Meadows; Mark Laskowski, Manager of Blissful Meadows
(November 2024)

2024 Company Open at Blissful Meadows Scores Big for Local Schools

by Shauna Bliss Stefanick

UXBRIDGE, MA – On Friday, September 20th, Blissful Meadows Golf Club hosted its 32nd Annual Company Open Charity Golf Tournament under cloudy skies that soon cleared, creating ideal conditions for a beautiful day of golf. This year’s event brought more than a full field of participants, with 152 players raising an impressive $18,400 for youth education and enrichment programs in local schools.

The Company Open has become an annual tradition, benefiting schools in Uxbridge, Douglas, and the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT). Originally a friendly competition among local businesses, it has evolved into a highly anticipated fundraiser that targets the unique needs of each school—from scholarships to new student programs. This year’s donation brings Blissful Meadows’ total contributions to local schools close to $400,000.

Last Thursday, representatives from each benefiting school gathered at Blissful Meadows to receive their portions of the proceeds, and they shared with heartfelt thanks how the funds will benefit local students and staff in the coming year.

The Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District’s Superintendent Director, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, expressed gratitude on behalf of the students and staff, noting that their portion of the proceeds will support staff professional development and new skill-building initiatives in the coming year.

The Douglas High School Principal, Robert Ringuette, also shared their plans for the donation, which will be directed to the Athletic Department to enhance all sports programs. A portion of the funds will be allocated specifically for updating the golf team’s equipment and uniforms, as well as enabling student-athletes to attend MIAA Leadership Conferences.

Michael Baldassarre, Uxbridge School Superintendent, highlighted that their share will fund staff training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS). This program will provide educators with tools to help students in crisis learn coping strategies, promoting safer and healthier school experiences.

Owner, Gordon Bliss, extends his thanks to the event’s participants, local businesses and sponsors. He also acknowledges his hardworking staff, who consistently strive to improve the customer experience at Blissful Meadows. "Their dedication is what keeps our course thriving, which in turn allows us to host events like these that bring people together to make a real difference for our community.”

This year’s tournament was filled with excitement on the course. Team "Bliss Automotive" took home first place with an impressive score of 58, setting the bar high for future events. A wide range of fun competitions were held throughout the day, including the popular “Ball Drop” that saw numbered golf balls dropped from a height over the driving range, with the lucky ball closest to the hole winning a $1,000 prize. Players also had a shot at a new car in the hole-in-one competition, sponsored by Imperial Cars of Mendon, and put their skills to the test in a putting contest, as well as the longest drive and closest-to-pin challenges.

The event couldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of local businesses who contributed raffle prizes, products, and gift cards. Major sponsors for the tournament included Anastasi Insurance, Unilock, TD Bank, Imperial Cars, Harrell’s, Venture Community Services, and Club Car Enterprises. Their generosity and commitment to the community reflect the spirit of the Company Open, proving once again that our small towns have big hearts.

Blissful Meadows looks forward to continuing this tradition, uniting players, businesses, and schools to make a lasting impact. The Bliss family thanks all the sponsors, players, and volunteers who make the Company Open possible each year.