An area businesswoman and a college student will golf alongside Toledo legend Jamie Farr on Aug. 6.
“It is very exciting as well as a little nerve-wracking, given my handicap,” said Judy McFarland, president of Thread Marketing Group, with a laugh. McFarland’s company is one of the sponsors of the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic.
At the Mercy/Lucas County Healthy Communities Foundation Pro-Am, McFarland and Lourdes University student Brooke Darah will round out Farr’s team. Farr, best known for his role on the television show “M*A*S*H,” is bringing a friend who will play and a pro golfer will complete the fivesome.
McFarland said Thread attempts to support a different cause every year and chose to support the tournament for its positive impact on the community. The classic will raise money for 10 area charities.
“The effect [the classic] has on our local economy as well as our community brand is just enormous,” McFarland said. “It’s just a win, win, win in all that it accomplishes.”
McFarland said she chose Darah to join the group because of the student’s Sylvania ties. The tournament takes place at Sylvania’s Highland Meadows Golf Club.
Darah is not only on the Lourdes University women’s golf team, but she is a graduate of Sylvania Northview High School.
The businesswoman said she wanted to “give a local gal an opportunity of a lifetime” in addition to supporting Lourdes, a client of Thread’s.
“I was worried given her age, [Darah] might not know who Jamie Farr is,” McFarland said with a chuckle.
But Darah not only knew who Farr was, she said her grandfather knew Farr personally and she met the star at a restaurant once.
Darah, a junior studying nursing, said she was thrilled McFarland invited her to play.
“[Lourdes] has a really good golf program, I think. It’s a honor that they chose me to represent our school andpromote Lourdes,” Darah said.
She also said she hoped and believed Farr would remember her, or at least her last name.
Golfing at the classic will also give Darah a chance to meet professional golfers. Her favorites are Paula Creamer and Christina Kim.
McFarland met Farr a few years ago at a photo shoot, but said the two just exchanged pleasantries.
Although she is nervous about her skill level, she said Darah offered to give her pointers.
“I am one of those people who love the game, who has not quite mastered it,” McFarland said.
Toledo-based Thread Marketing offers marketing, communications, public relations and information technology services. The company has been around for 25 years and employs about 40 people. For more information, visit www.threadgroup.com.
The classic runs from Aug. 6-12.
For more information, visit the website www.jamiefarrtoledoclassic.com.
