EJJI Invitational Golf Tournament 2023: A Hole-in-One for Environmental Justice

Laura Quigley • November 9, 2023

EJJI Invitational Golf Tournament 2023: A Hole-in-One for Environmental Justice

The sun was shining, the greens were immaculate, and the spirit of giving was in the air at the Country Club of Maryland in Towson on October 30, 2023. The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) hosted its first annual EJJI Invitational Golf Tournament, alongside co-host and sponsor CI Renewables. Nearly 100 passionate golfers and a host of generous sponsors gathered to support EJJI's work.


EJJI's mission is to help young people and communities learn about environmental justice and tell their own stories about environmental inequities in their neighborhoods. The support we received through this year’s Invitational will go directly to our work in advancing environmental justice in Baltimore’s communities.


The day began with a warm welcome and an opportunity for attendees to network with fellow supporters of environmental justice. Golfers participated in a competitive putting contest, enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Country Club of Maryland, and practiced their swings on the driving range before gathering in their golf carts to start the day.


Golfers were treated to a beautifully manicured course at the Country Club of Maryland, offering the perfect backdrop for a day of golf, camaraderie, and fundraising. As the golfers made their way through the course, they participated in a contest for the longest drive and the closest to the pin. The competition was fierce but friendly and golfers of all skill levels had the chance to test their mettle and support the cause.

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The success of the event wouldn't have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. They include CI Renewables, Mayson Dixon, Residential Title, Bowman, Kupper Engineering, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, OME Solar, Gordon Feinblatt, NJ Resources, Fox Rothschild, Bohler DC, Black Oak Title LLC, IBEW Local 24, Sill Engineering, Solar Gaines, Perceptive Places, and Harkins Builders. We deeply appreciate their commitment to environmental justice and to our organization’s mission.


After the tournament, the golfers gathered for a delicious dinner and happy hour at the clubhouse. Executive Director Donzell Brown took the mic to talk about EJJI’s mission and thank the participants for their support. MC Josh Feldmark of CI Renewables handed out the contest awards and announced the winner of the 50/50 raffle, a triumphant ending to a successful day.


The EJJI Golf Invitational was a testament to the power of community and a shared commitment to environmental justice. As we look to the future, we're excited about the possibilities and the impact we can collectively make. Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors, and supporters who made this day a success. Your contributions are helping us tell the stories that need to be heard and creating positive change for a more just and sustainable world.


If you missed this year's event, don't worry – there will be more opportunities to get involved in the future. Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels.


Together, we can continue to make a difference in the fight for environmental justice.


- Laura, Rona, Donzell, Jessica, and the EJJI Board

By Laura Quigley March 24, 2026
Baltimore, MD – The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is excited to announce the return of Reel Rewards , a community-powered program that promotes sustainable fishing practices and helps control invasive species in the Baltimore Harbor. The 2026 season will run from April 25 to July 18, 2026 , and brings with it updated bounty tiers and continued opportunities for community engagement and environmental impact. This season, Reel Rewards features bounty tiers that support local anglers while providing gut content data that can be used by scientists and environmental managers. Participants are encouraged to catch invasive species like Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish within the program boundaries, and bring the fish to designated drop-off locations on specific days. In return, fishers receive $10 for each fish head turned in, $10 for logging a picture of what’s inside the fish’s stomach, and $10 for each cleaned fish filet per fish to be re-used as bait. Reel Rewards is hosted by EJJI, funded by South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and the Maryland Whole Watershed Program , and in partnership with Reimagine Middle Branch and the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland . This unique collaboration brings together community voices, environmental researchers, and conservation advocates to tackle real ecological issues while uplifting Baltimore’s fishing communities. Registration is now open at: https://www.ianglertournament.com/ejji-reel-rewards-2026 For updates, official drop-off days and locations, and more details about participating, visit: https://www.ejji.org/reel-rewards . If you are with a community group or organization who would like to plan a joint event or educational engagement, contact EJJI at: veronica@ejji.org About EJJI The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice and community empowerment. Through storytelling, collaborative outreach, and hands-on programming, EJJI connects Baltimore communities with the researchers, policymakers, and advocates working on environmental justice issues in their neighborhoods. Contact: Veronica Malabanan Lucchese Environmental Science Program Manager, EJJI veronica@ejji.org ###
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