2026 · Sponsorship Opportunities
Second Annual
Charity Golf Outing
October 4–5, 2026
Gaston Country Club · Gastonia, NC
Honoring Giovanni "Gio" Emil Zappitelli
Countdown to Event Day
28
Days
23
Hours
42
Min
Meet Gio.
Giovanni "Gio" Emil Zappitelli was a bright, joyful boy with a wide-open heart — curious about the world, generous with the people he loved.
The GIO Foundation was founded by his family to honor his memory and carry forward what he embodied. Every program, every scholarship, every kid we reach — built to keep his spirit alive.
GiO — Go Inspire Others
The name behind the mission
A Note from Our Executive Director
Thank you for considering the 2026 GIO Foundation Charity Golf Outing.
This year's event brings together partners who believe the next generation deserves every opportunity to grow, lead, and give back. Two days of championship-caliber golf, premier hospitality, and shared purpose — with dozens of ways for your brand to show up and make a tangible difference.
Every dollar fuels our three programs: GIO University leadership curriculum, scholarships and camps for youth, and year-round community drives. We'd love to have you at the table in October.
— Obie Batista, Executive Director
About the Foundation
The GIO Foundation (Go Inspire Others) was founded to honor a legacy of generosity by investing in young people through education, leadership, and community.
Our Mission in Action
Three programs powered by partners like you.
Education & Leadership
GIO University delivers career readiness, mentorship, and leadership programming to students seeking a path forward.
Scholarships & Camps
Direct-to-student scholarships and immersive camps — including future legacy programming in Gio's name.
Community Drives
Year-round drives — school supplies, toys, and essentials — delivered through partners to families who need them.
Two Days at Gaston Country Club
October 4–5, 2026 · Gastonia, NC
A two-day experience anchored by a Sunday Welcome Party and a full day of Monday golf on one of the Carolinas' most storied private courses. Expect a cultivated mix of business leaders, professional athletes, brand partners, and Foundation champions.
Days
Holes
Guests
Sunday · Oct 4
Welcome Party · Gala Dinner
Gala Dinner
Curated multi-course dinner & cocktail reception to kick off the weekend.
Silent & Live Auction
Custom-curated memorabilia and one-of-a-kind experiences up for bid.
Live Music
Live entertainment throughout the evening to keep the energy high.
Casino Night
The night closes with an incredible casino night — gaming tables, dealers, and celebration.
Monday · Oct 5
Tournament Day
- Shotgun start · 10 AM
- On-course hospitality
- 19th Hole Afterparty
- Awards & photos
Put Your Brand in the Game
Product Launch
Sample new products with a pre-qualified audience.
Hole Contests
Longest drive, closest-to-pin, hole-in-one prizes.
Feather Flags
Branded flags visible across the course.
Tee Cubes
Branded tee markers at each hole.
Networking
Connect with partners, athletes, and peers.
Product Launch
Hole Contests
Feather Flags
Tee Cubes
Networking
Bring Your Clients, Team, and Guests
Client Engagement
Host clients in a setting that closes deals.
Welcome Dinner
Sunday night reception with reserved tables.
Live Entertainment
Music, auction, and programming throughout.
Competitive Golf
Championship-caliber course, professional format.
Casino Night
High-energy casino tables for an unforgettable evening.
19th Hole · Casino Night · Afterparty
come party like gio
An unforgettable night — a gala dinner, silent & live auction with custom-curated memorabilia, live music, and a casino night to close it out — all in honor of a boy who knew how to light up a room.
Every Level Matters
Participate at a scale that fits — and help us fill the room.
Welcome Party Table
$5,000Individual Golf Only Package
$1,000Individual Welcome Party
$1,000Foursome & Hole Activations
Foursome Sponsor
8 AVAILABLE
Bring your team. Play the course. Support the mission.
Hole Activation Sponsor
13 AVAILABLE
Own a hole. Activate your brand. Meet every foursome.
Official Sponsor
4 AVAILABLE
Substantial impact, signature presence. Own a contest hole.
Prefer to pay by wire, ACH, or check? Email obie@thegiofoundation.org for instructions.
Associate Sponsor
4 AVAILABLE
Own a signature moment of the weekend.
Prefer to pay by wire, ACH, or check? Email obie@thegiofoundation.org for instructions.
Presenting Sponsor
1 AVAILABLE · CATEGORY EXCLUSIVE
Top-of-deck presence. Your name on the event.
Prefer to pay by wire, ACH, or check? Email obie@thegiofoundation.org for instructions.
Let's build something together.
Obie Batista · Executive Director
obie@thegiofoundation.orgthegiofoundation.orgThe GIO Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity · EIN 33-2229352 · Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law
October 4–5, 2026 · Gaston Country Club
Become a SponsorThank You