From BURKETT RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
The Mike Burkett Memorial Golf Outing raised a record $45,000 in 2026 in support of the National MS Society, marking the largest amount raised directly through the annual event.
Hosted by Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies at Belmont Country Club in Perrysburg, the outing is the region’s largest independent, community-led fundraiser benefiting the National MS Society. The event became a memorial fundraiser in 2021 following the passing of company founder Mike Burkett, who lived with multiple sclerosis for 34 years.
“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 the National MS Society. This year’s total sets a new 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 the National MS Society since the outing became an MS fundraiser in 2021. Prior to the 2026 event, that total stood at $148,000.
Julie Leggett, executive director of Ohio of the National MS Society, attended the outing and joined participants during the dinner and awards program for the fundraising announcement.
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.
The annual outing brings together customers, manufacturers, representatives, community partners, and Burkett team members from across the country in support of the National MS Society and the legacy of Mike Burkett.
The record-setting total was made possible by the continued generosity of this year’s attendees and sponsors, including: Zink, ACP, Advance Tabco, Beverage-Air, Delfield, Federal Industries, Frymaster/Merco, Kolpak, Nemco, Welbilt, Winco, Z-Ventilation Solutions, Atosa, Professional Reps, Scotsman/Stiefel Associates, Helix Solutions group, Ice-O-Matic, Moffat, Manitowoc, True Manufacturing, Migali, Phoenix Marketing, Arctic Air, Greenwald Sales & Marketing, Norlake/Refrigerated Solutions Group, Rational/Alliance Foodservice, TEB Management, Dynamic Foodservice Solutions, Alto-Shaam, Gabriel Group, KeyBank, Star, Cres Cor, Eastman & Smith, and Hoshizaki.
For more information about Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, visit Burkett.com, email sales@burkett.com, or call 1-800-828-8564.
