The Bartlett Pro-Am tournament is recognized for showcasing some of the area’s best golfers together in competition; in 2018, the Pro-Am tournament established an associated scholarship to benefit area students pursuing a business degree post high school. Funds raised via tournament sponsors and donors will support the Two Joes Scholarship Fund with intent to award the first scholarship recipient by 2021.
The Two Joes Scholarship Fund was founded in the name of community-minded businessmen and beloved friends, Joe Sgro and Joe DeRose, to support a scholarship for a Cattaraugus County student pursuing a degree in a business-related field; entrepreneurship, engineering, finance, marketing, manufacturing, technology, etc. Joe and Joe were like family; working and living in their adored community of Olean. Community leaders, they were passionate about Olean and its success.
Joe DeRose was President and CEO of Mazza Sheet Metal Inc., Pierce Steel Fabricators Inc. and MKD Realty Co. Joe Sgro was the Vice President of Certo Bros. Distributing for 67 years.
Together, Joe and Joe left an unforgettable mark on the community through their respective businesses, ethics, and character.
Hank Certo, along with Joe DeRose’s sons, Dan, Ledgie, Mike, and Chris established the Two Joes Scholarship in 2018; a mutual commitment to carry forth Joe and Joe’s legacy and their passion for hard work. Joe Sgro was not only beloved by the Certo family, he was an Uncle and Godfather to Joe DeRose’s sons. The Certo and DeRose family are proud to bring the Two Joes Scholarship to realization by way of the Bartlett Pro-Am tournament.
Donations made during the Bartlett Pro-Am and throughout the year, will help build the endowment fund until it makes its first scholarship award. Donations can be made to the Two Joes Scholarship Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.
Those interested in registering for the tournament can contact the Bartlett pro shop, 716-372-5175, ext. 2. Tournament registration will cost $150 per person, which includes golf fees, lunch and steak dinner. The tournament will have an 11 a.m. shotgun start.
Established in 1994, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
