6th Annual Birdies & Brunch
September 9, 2025 - Forsyth Country Club
Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors!
Women-Powered Birdies & Brunch: Six Years of Impact
A Tradition of Women-Powered Giving
Crosby Scholars’ 6th Annual Birdies & Brunch, presented by Flow Lexus, brought together more than 120 women at Forsyth Country Club on September 9, 2025. With a morning of good food, good company, and generous giving, the event raised a record $55,000 to support Last Dollar Grants—need-based scholarships that help bridge the financial gap for Forsyth County public school students, making college more affordable and attainable.
Launched in 2019 as a women-only fundraiser, Birdies & Brunch was created to increase awareness of Crosby Scholars while raising funds through a silent auction. Each year, the event has grown in attendance, sponsorship, and impact, establishing a proud tradition of women-powered philanthropy in Winston-Salem.
Impact by the Numbers
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Crosby Scholars:
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Supported 906 graduates enrolled in 114 colleges and universities
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Facilitated 6,874 advising sessions with juniors and seniors
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Awarded $1,157,767 in Last Dollar Grants and scholarships to graduating seniors and returning college students
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Logged 30,976 hours of community service
Crosby Scholars maintains a 100% high school graduation rate among participants, with 94% of seniors enrolling in a two- or four-year college immediately after graduation.
Since 1993, the program has served more than 40,360 students, awarded $13.2 million in scholarships, and leveraged over $123.7 million in financial aid. As a CFNC Financial Aid Champion, Crosby Scholars ensures students have the tools, advising, and resources they need to successfully navigate college admissions and financial aid.
6th Annual Birdies & Brunch
The sixth annual Birdies & Brunch was hosted at Forsyth Country Club and raised a record $55,000.
The program featured alumna Hannah Greene, a 2021 Crosby Scholar and UNC Greensboro graduate who now owns her own photography business. Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams offered greetings, while Mona W. Lovett provided a program update and reflected on the lasting legacy of Crosby Scholars.
The keynote address was delivered by Parker Beverly, Creative Content Producer at Wake Forest Athletics, who reminded attendees that “representation matters — not just for me, but for the next generation of women who want to work in sports.”
The event concluded with a record-setting golf clinic led by Dianne Dailey, Chase Adams of Forsyth Country Club, Mary Thomas of Bermuda Run Country Club, and Sarah Potter, former WFU collegiate All-American.
Birdies & Brunch Through the Years
1st Annual Birdies & Brunch – Old Town Club
The inaugural Birdies & Brunch was held at Old Town Club, marking the debut of what would become one of Crosby Scholars’ signature fundraising events. Held in conjunction with the Crosby Scholars Invitational, this first gathering united community members and supporters in celebration of the organization’s mission to help students prepare for college success.
2nd Annual Birdies & Brunch – Bermuda Run Country Club
The second annual Birdies & Brunch took place at Bermuda Run Country Club, raising more than $31,000 in support of Crosby Scholars programs.
Winston-Salem Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams captured the spirit of the day, reminding attendees that “at the end of the day, women get it done.”
The program featured a Title IX discussion with Wake Forest University golf coaches Dianne Dailey and Kim Lewellen, reflections on program growth by Mona W. Lovett, and a heartfelt testimony from alumna Alese Berry, who later returned to Crosby Scholars as a staff member.
Guests concluded the day with a golf clinic led by Dailey, Lewellen, Mary Thomas of Bermuda Run Country Club, and Anne Marie Goslak, LPGA/PGA professional and First Tee of the Triad founder. The event also included a special recognition honoring Becky Perkinson for her years of dedicated service to Crosby Scholars.
3rd Annual Birdies & Brunch – Bermuda Run Country Club
The third annual Birdies & Brunch returned to Bermuda Run Country Club. Guests enjoyed an engaging Q&A with Wake Forest Women’s Golfer Emilia Migliaccio, who discussed her decision to extend her collegiate career rather than turn professional.
Migliaccio reflected on discipline, privilege, and teamwork, while Coach Kim Lewellen shared insights on professional athletics and maintaining a growth mindset—messages that reinforced Crosby Scholars’ mission of resilience and community support.
4th Annual Birdies & Brunch – Maple Chase Golf & Country Club
Nearly 100 women gathered at Maple Chase Golf & Country Club for the fourth annual Birdies & Brunch, which raised more than $50,000 in support of Crosby Scholars programs.
The featured speaker, Rachel Kuene, Wake Forest University Women’s Golfer, inspired attendees with reflections on leadership, perseverance, and community. Alumna Evita Valdez, now a Marketing Account Manager at Flow Automotive, shared her family’s journey as first-generation college students, recalling, “It was like they were doing it with us, and it was so empowering.”
Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams emphasized the City’s investment in the Crosby Scholars student portal as an investment in “the future of our children.” The program also included a program review by Mona W. Lovett, a wellness session by dietitian Alice Smith, and a golf clinic led by Dianne Dailey, Jennifer Lewellen, Mary Thomas, and Brad Luebchow, Assistant Professional at Maple Chase.
5th Annual Birdies & Brunch – Maple Chase Golf & Country Club
The fifth annual Birdies & Brunch was held at Maple Chase Golf & Country Club, once again raising more than $50,000.
The day began with a silent auction, followed by a welcome from Natalie Jensen-Noll, Chair of the Crosby Scholars Board of Directors. Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams offered greetings, and Mona W. Lovett provided an overview of Crosby Scholars’ recent achievements.
Alumna Olivia Fleming, a 2019 graduate and Near Peer Advisor, shared her reflections, while keynote speaker Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, underscored the importance of community partnerships in education.
The event closed with remarks from Mona W. Lovett and a golf clinic led by Paul Allen, Head Golf Professional at Maple Chase Golf & Country Club.
A Legacy of Women-Powered Impact
From $31,000 raised in its second year to a record $55,000 in its sixth, Birdies & Brunch has grown into one of Winston-Salem’s most inspiring women-led events.
Each year, it unites women who believe in the power of education—raising awareness and funds for the thousands of students Crosby Scholars serves annually. Whether through a silent auction bid, a brunch conversation, or a morning on the golf course, Birdies & Brunch continues to prove that when women lead with vision and generosity, they transform futures.
