Courtesy / Drive Fore Kids
Chippy's accessories
Updated: May 8, 2023
Maine charity golf tourney tees up mascot for marketing
Courtesy / Drive Fore Kids
Chippy, the official mascot of the Drive Fore Kids golf tournament this summer in Falmouth, was created by Colleen Writt of Commercial Costumes in North Yarmouth.
A dimpled mascot named Chippy is teed up to drive marketing efforts for this summer's Drive Fore Kids charity golf tournament in Falmouth.
The celebrity golf invitational, taking place at the Falmouth Country Club from June 21-24, aims to raise a minimum of $100,000 for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland. The event will see athletes, actors and television personalities vying for a $250,000 prize purse.
Chippy, who sports a retro-1920s look featuring knickers, argyle knee socks and a newsboy hat under a head that resembles a golf ball, was created by Colleen Writt of Commercial Costumes, a North Yarmouth-based company founded by Whitt's parents in 1991. The company has conceived and created more than 80 mascots over the years, including Portland Sea Dogs’ beloved Slugger.
It is therefore no coincidence that Chippy will make his debut at a Sea Dogs home game at Hadlock Field on May 10, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on National Golf Day.
“Chippy perfectly embodies the excitement and joy we believe Drive Fore Kids will bring to our community and the thousands of golf fans who will come out to see their favorite celebrities tee up at Falmouth Country Club,” said Brian Corcoran, CEO of Portland-based Shamrock Sports & Entertainment and executive director of Drive Fore Kids. “Many thanks to Colleen for bringing our vision for Chippy to life and exceeding our expectations.”
Asked about mascots' marketing value, Corcoran told Mainebiz that they “enable you to have a face and ongoing presence in the community and beyond.” He also pointed to a study showing that mascots generate 37% more positive buzz on social media by enabling consumers to engage with brands.
Over the next six weeks, Chippy will make dozens of appearances across the states as well as visits to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and beyond, Corcoran said.
Support from the tournament seeks to help ensure that children and families are able to receive critical health care at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital regardless of their ability to pay.
Asked how fundraising is going so far, Corcoran said, “Based on initial sponsor support led by Presenting Partners Bangor Savings Bank and MaineHealth and ticket sales to date, the star-studded celebrity tournament will exceed our economic, community and charitable impact realized the past few years via the PGA Korn Ferry Tour."
Drive Fore Kids also aims to have a total economic impact of $6 million, he said, promising to share data and results closer to the event.
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