From its very humble beginnings
at Fairfax National Golf Course, the MRM tournament has always
fostered a family and community feel. While the ties originated
at Osbourn Park, they have grown into a network of genuine and
lasting friendships. Established to celebrate Mike's life, the
tournament continues that spirit while providing a venue to
reunite year after year with folks whom we normally don't see
with all the busy schedules. By linking to the Osbourn Park
website, it is our hope that more and more people will join
us and experience this feeling of continued connection.
The Logo
The “Bull Honkee” logo was the developed in 1996 by Andy Rusciolelli (OPHS '84). The image and phrase capture one of Mike’s favorite expressions, usually directed at his older brother Kevin (OPHS ’92). (Anyone with siblings can relate to wanting to call out an older brother for not telling the truth, but wanting to avoid getting your mouth washed out with soap by Mom!) |
Through
its eighth year, the MRM tournament raised a yearly average
of $2,750. The money was given directly to Osbourn Park, each
year going to a different program selected by one of Mike's
brothers. From athletic teams and the student government to
the drama club and the computer lab, money was donated to enhance
and improve the school. A butterfly garden on campus was even
created with one year's proceeds, and it continues to provide
the families and friends of lost OPHS students with a place
to reflect and come to peace with the death of their children.
With the
shift to Westfields Golf Club for the Ninth Annual MRM in 2004
and a generous gift of $5000 from Land Design Consultants of
Manassas, Virginia, my true vision was finally created. Instead
of annually donating the proceeds to the high school, the money
raised is now placed in a charity that grows over time for the
benefit of Osbourn Park. The Northern
Virginia Community Foundation (NVCF) has been selected to
manage the charity's finances. NVCF is a local, fully tax exempt
501(c)(3) foundation serving over 200 charities and organizations
in the Northern Virginia area. The charities range in size from
$10,000 to $2,000,000. Over the last four years of the tournament,
thanks to the generous donations of players and other supporters
and to NVCF’s good management, the MRM Memorial Fund has
grown to over $27,000.
Our goal
is to raise $100,000 for an endowment fund for Osbourn Park
High School, so every year gifts can be made to support students,
faculty, and staff through worthy programs at the school. You
can help! If you are an alum or friend of OPHS, or a friend
of Mike, I hope you'll consider participating in, donating to,
or sponsoring this event. Please contact
me at any time so that we can talk more about your interest
and I can add you to the list of tournament supporters.
After
the first tournament in 1996 I told my parents that I would
try my best to hold this annual event once for every year of
Mike's short life. While not always easy, the tournament is
always rewarding. I want to thank all of the many players, volunteers,
donors, and sponsors who have made it the success that it has
been over the last twelve years. If I am able to complete the
next six years of the Michael Rusciolelli Memorial Golf Tournament
in memory of Mike, I would love to see the tournament then transition
into the true Osbourn Park High School Alumni Golf Tournament.
Thanks again to all for your interest and support. Hope to see you at the tournament! |
