Burkett Golf Outing Raises Record $45,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies’ annual golf fundraiser brought in a record $45,000 to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

Held Aug. 10 at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg, Ohio, the Mike Burkett Memorial Golf Outing is the region’s largest independent, community-led fundraiser benefiting NMSS. The event is named in honor of Burkett Restaurant Equipment’s founder, who passed away in 2021 after living with multiple sclerosis for 34 years. The annual outing brings together customers, manufacturers, representatives, community partners, and Burkett team members from across the country.

“Each year, this event reminds us how many people are willing to come together and make a difference for a cause that means so much to our family and our company,” said Jameel Burkett, president and CEO of Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies. “Raising a record $45,000 is something everyone involved should be proud of. What started as a way to honor my father continues to grow into something that can make a meaningful difference for people and families affected by MS.”

The $45,000 raised this year represents the highest amount generated directly through the golf outing. In 2024, the event raised $24,500, which was doubled through a matching gift for a final contribution of $49,000 to NMSS. This year’s total set a record for fundraising through the event itself.

With this year’s contribution, the Mike Burkett Memorial Golf Outing and matching gifts secured in support of the event have now generated approximately $193,000 for NMSS since the outing became an MS fundraiser in 2021.

Julie Leggett, executive director for Ohio at NMSS, attended the outing and joined participants during the dinner and awards program for the fundraising announcement. “Year after year, Burkett and its partners continue to turn their commitment to the MS community into meaningful action,” she said. “The success of this event helps provide critical support for research, advocacy, and resources for people affected by MS. We are grateful for the generosity behind this record-setting year and for Burkett’s continued partnership as we work toward a world free of MS.”

Burkett’s support for the National MS Society extends beyond the annual golf outing. The company also serves as a regional presenting sponsor of Walk MS: Toledo, Bike MS: Bike to the Bay, and Bike MS: Pedal to the Point, expanding its involvement with fundraising and awareness efforts throughout the region.