Feb. 8, 2016, Dearborn, Mich. — Interested in helping deserving students achieve their dream of a college education? Looking to develop young talent by supporting scholarships to worthy college students who might one day join your organization? The 25th Annual Henry Ford College (HFC) Mike Adray Memorial Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at the Dearborn Country Club (DCC provides you a chance to make a lasting impact on area students by supporting student scholarships through this special event. 

As the largest annual fund-raising event for the HFC Foundation, the Mike Adray Memorial Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser brings together community leaders, alumni and friends, organizations and companies to support the academic endeavors of students. Since its inception 25 years ago, this event has raised more than $1.25 million for scholarships. Most importantly, more than 1,000 students have received a scholarship to attend Henry Ford College at a time when they believed a college education was simply out of reach due to rising tuition costs. 

The presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year is Enertron, LLC, based in Warren, Mich., and the benefactor sponsor is the Adray Family Foundation. 

According to Joe LaFrance, manager and owner of Enertron, LLC, this event is a worthwhile investment to help the next generation of professionals hone their skills, talents and earn the education they need to make a significant impact in their future organizations and on their community. 

“Enertron supports this event because we feel giving back to students who are working hard to achieve their education, but perhaps face some financial challenges along the way, is the right thing to do,” he explained. “We’ve had the good fortune of hiring many HFC students, all of whom have made a positive impact on our organization. Other corporate partners should consider sponsoring this event—by doing so, they will also reap the benefits for many years as Enertron has,” he added. 

The Mike Adray Memorial Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser honors the legacy of Mike Adray and his family, who owned Adray Appliance, Photo and Sound in Dearborn. The store opened in 1955 and expanded to other stores in the area throughout the years. As the business grew, the Adray family shared their success by sponsoring numerous athletic teams, leagues and charitable opportunities in the area for the benefit of the children and the community. This event honors Mike Adray and his family’s dedication to the community and serves as a small reminder of how individuals can positively impact the lives of all students.

For students, the benefits of this event play a huge role in whether or not they’re able to attend college. 

"One semester, I was taking 16 credits. The Pell Grant covered the majority of my tuition, but books and other fees would come out of my pocket,” said HFC Student Hector Ochoa, who received a scholarship from HFC funded in large part by the efforts of the Mike Adray Memorial Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser. “When I learned I was awarded this scholarship, it was a good thing that came at a good time. It took the heat off me; I didn't have to take out a student loan. I, for one, am very appreciative for all the donors. My scholarship was a blessing,” he added. 

HFC Student Jose Salinas echoed Ochoa’s thoughts. For him, his HFC scholarship “allowed me to keep playing baseball and it helped me get started in the field of engineering. It also really helped my family out financially because we didn't have to take out any loans. Thank you to all the donors for all they've done. It really helps those of us receiving scholarships."

To help mark the event’s 25th year of helping students achieve their dream of a college education, more activities, awards and giveaways are now available, including the following: 

• Entertainment featuring Jazz great and Detroit’s own Barbara Ware (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbRHEZV1NGs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-pTn1RokCc); 
• Wine tasting; 
• A chance to win a round of golf at the DCC and other exceptional, Michigan-based courses via the silent auction; 
• hole-in-one opportunities to win a new vehicle; 
• prizes for golfers who hit the ball closest to the pin, hit the longest drive on the fairway, and/or hit the straightest drive; 
• A RE/MAX World Long Drive finalist will hit a 400-plus yard drive, enabling his or her group to play on the 14th hole--Bobby Bradley, formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will be there to hit his or her ball for a donation. Bradley has raised more than $1 million for various charities in the United States and Canada; and
• Golfer gift packages and door prizes. 

HFC will post information, photos and other materials on the Mike Adray Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser event Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ADRAY-Memorial-Foundation-1059985424034949/?fref=nf. Do you have a memory to share about this event? Are you an HFC alum who’s benefitted from the scholarship fund? A company that sponsored a hole? If so, please post your memories on the Mike Adray Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser Facebook page. 

The day begins with a continental breakfast served at 6 a.m. Morning golfer registration opens at 6:30 a.m. The silent auction begins at 7 a.m. and continues throughout the day. The morning round shotgun will begin at 7:30 a.m. Lunch will be available at 11:45 a.m. Afternoon golf registration will open at noon and the afternoon round shotgun begins at 1 p.m. Entertainment, along with wine tasting and appetizers, will be available at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The silent auction closes at 7 p.m.

Interested corporate partners and individuals may sign up for the morning round for only $200 or the afternoon round for $250. Attendees play 18 holes of golf, receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as participate in all evening activities – including the wine tasting (nominal donation), the silent auction and the entertainment. Dinner-only tickets are available for $75. Tournament sponsorships are available beginning at $500. 

The DCC is located at 800 N. Military St. in Dearborn. For further information, please call 313-845-9620 or visit www.adraygolf.com.