Taking inspiration from the life of Seth Sowers and his loved ones, the 820 Foundation exists to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to see end-of-life planning as a part of life. The 820 Foundation seeks to dramatically increase the number of Americans who have made end-of-life decisions early, thus avoiding the pitfalls of their state’s rules and regulations. As Meredith and her family and friends continue to build the 820 Foundation’s legacy with this annual fundraiser, she reflects on the impact the Seth Sowers Golf Tournament has had and the dreams she has for its future.
What inspired you or motivated you to host a golf tournament?
MEREDITH: Seth golfed all the time and played in many golf tournaments. I know this is an event he would be proud of and love to be a part of. We also golf and spend a lot of time at the course. This seemed like the perfect way to raise funds, honor Seth and have a great time!
What does this event mean to you, your family, your community, and the 820 Foundation mission?
MEREDITH: This is a beautiful day to be a part of. With it being held in August, we are able to remember Seth, as his accident was in August. We are able to share stories of Seth before his accident and just pause for a day to remember how remarkable he was. This is a day for us to keep the focus on him and the foundation and keep people connected to the importance of emergency and estate planning. Our community always amazes me at the amount of support they extend to us. This day always blows me away at what a wonderful community I get to live in and be a part of. I am so incredibly thankful and proud of all of my friends and family for all of the time they pour into this event
How has the event changed or grown since the first golf tournament?
MEREDITH: We have grown by a significant number of golfers and donors since our first year. The foundation has grown as well. People are aware of our mission now instead of just trying to get acquainted with what we are trying to raise awareness about.
Thinking about the 820 Foundation’s goals and mission, how does this event support your initiatives?
MEREDITH: This year, we are able to bring in Dr. Greg Maynard. He is going to be our speaker at the event. I am so excited about this. I think looking to the future, we want to involve more professionals in our goals is the direction we want to move. Having professionals in this area share their experiences will motivate people to follow through with getting their estate plans in place. And that is above anything our goal, just to reach people and spread awareness.
What do you wish for the future of the 820 Foundation and the Seth Sowers Golf Tournament?
MEREDITH: I hope we continue to grow and bless people with the information we have learned over the years. I hope to normalize these incredibly difficult conversations and make estate planning feel like any other normal part of life.
The annual Seth Sowers Golf Tournament is happening Friday, August 1st at the Oak Meadon Country Club, Rolla, MO! Join us for a 4-person scramble ($100 per person), a putting contest, a longest putt contest, and a closest to the pin contest. We’ll have a BBQ dinner, drinks, raffles, prizes and more!
Want to become a sponsor? Check out our sponsor tiers and reach out to Meredith for more information at meredith@820foundation.org.
Tee Sponsor: $100
– Sign with your logo at the tee box during the tournament
Par Sponsor: $250
– 2 signs with your logo at the tee box during the tournament – 1 on front 9 and 1 on back 9
– 2 raffle tickets
– Awards ceremony recognition
Birdie Sponsor: $500
– One 4-person team in the tournament
– Sign with your logo at the tee box during the tournament
– Can add promotional material to tee gift
– Awards ceremony recognition
Eagle Sponsor: $1000
– Large personal banner
– Sign with your logo at the tee box during the tournament
– Name on tee gift
– Two 4-person teams in the tournament
– A table with promotional material at the tournament
– Can add promotional material to tee gift
– Will give shout-outs on social media with tournament advertising
– Awards ceremony recognition
A special thank you to our sponsor: Beckett Insurance!