In Arkansas, teams of Walmart Interns, designed golf holes, sunk the ball, built a stronger team, and gave back to their community.  Tough economic times have doubled the number of hungry in Northwest Arkansas.  After a competitive round of golf, each team trying to make a hole in one, the teams boxed-up “food greens” for the Northwest Arkansas food bank.

These interns got to know each other, collaborated, and took away a keen understanding that The Ace Race golf team building event is more than a great way to spend a few hours.  It builds teams, is a whole lot of fun, and most important – is a powerful weapon to fight poverty.  Lana Harris, spokesperson for the food bank, told the nearly 200 interns that they made the lives of people who depend on the food bank a lot easier.  The vision of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is simple; to end hunger in the area through the building of partnerships.  Walmart is one of their biggest sponsors.  The number of children in America who go to bed not knowing if they will have enough to eat the next day is staggering.  One child out of four knows hunger first hand.  Walmart wants to be part of the solution.  Its’ philanthropic ethos, is a guiding force in all of the communities where Walmart does business.

These interns played a little golf on the holes designed by each team, some may even stump Rory McIlroy.  If laughter is a measurement of pleasure – this was a great three hours.  The Ace Race team building event is fun, and maybe a little competitive.  Mostly, it is a “feel good” event designed to strengthen teams and help communities, quite literally, put food on the tables of the hungry.

By Connie Timpson/Sr. Instructor/Performance Coach/The Leader’s Institute