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Syracuse, NY—Don Lemp Jr., fourth-generation president of M. Lemp Jewelers, was honored November 15 by the Central New York chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, for his outstanding efforts in raising monies for the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse.

For the past eight years, Lemp, left, has led a group of volunteers in organizing one of central New York’s most profitable golf tournaments, the “100 Holes 4 Kids” event, which has netted nearly $600,000 for the child advocacy center. As a result, McMahon/Ryan nominated the jeweler for its Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award.

The golf event differs from a standard golf tournament in that only 24 players participate, and each golfer is tasked with raising a minimum of $1,500 in sponsorship. Typically, though, each golfer far surpasses that goal and raises an average of $2,700.

The tournament itself is a grueling, 12-hour sunup-to-sundown marathon of 100 holes—in weather that’s not always ideal.

As leader of this fundraising event, Lemp reminds the players to “keep their eye on the ball” as to the importance of the cause, and to keep the children who benefit uppermost in their minds. The McMahon/Ryan Center is dedicated to ending child abuse through education and prevention.

Don Lemp, center, poses with Emily Kulkas, left, board president of the McMahon/Ryan Center, and his wife Chrissy, right.

Don’s leadership has been instrumental to the success as he always reminds the players to “keep the eye on the ball” as to the importance of the cause and to keep the children who benefit close to their hearts. The McMahon/Ryan is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to ending child abuse through education and prevention.

Other local business leaders also involved with the center came to the luncheon to show their support for Don Lemp.