Hopkins hospitality unlimited!

That was on display – in many ways – last week when upwards of 80 people turned out at Glocester Country Club to show their everlasting love and respect for the late James Sr., Eileen and Colleen Hopkins.

In fact, for the 11th time in as many years, the community – as people emphasized – again showed unbelievable support for another successful Hopkins Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament.

“Not even the rain could put a damper on today,” James “Jim” Hopkins Jr. said about the marvelous memorial for his late father, mother and sister: “Kudos to the whole staff here at Glocester Country Club. Greens Superintendent Nick Johnson, new pro Shane Drury … along with our volunteers made today one that will be remembered for a long time!”

That’s because students like 2023 Johnston High School graduates Charles Curci and Catrins Zinni are the beneficiaries from what many people concurred “is more like a huge reunion” and is made up of many people who’ve been long-time friends with many members of the Hopkins family.

The day began with the sold-out field of 68 golfers registering with nearly a dozen lady members of the Hopkins family while Jim “Coach Hop” and his brothers greeted everyone with handshakes and hugs and gave each golfer a travel mug and memorial tourney hat.

Likewise, every golfer had his or her choice of a brown bag lunch – turkey, ham or Italian grinder – the fun-filled event concluded with a delicious chicken parmesan, pasta, salad and dessert dinner by Jay’s Catering and mega-prize raffle.

“On behalf of our family, a heartfelt THANK YOU for the continuing support of the tournament,” Jim Hopkins offered: “Dad, mom and our sister was certainly looking down at us smiling; we raised a total of $3,00 for our family scholarships.”

Every year the tourney enables the Hopkins family to present two $500 scholarships – one to a boy and girl at JHS – and as Jim Jr. said, “Now we have funds for future scholarships because of the unbelievable support shown here today.”

Golf-wise, Jake Shackelford, Eric Barros, Josh Oliveira and Justin Heyward tied for first place with the foursome of John Graham Tom Mooney, Jim Hunter and Dennis Perry. Ken LaForce, Eric Barros, Shawn Hopkins and John Graham won closest the pin while Ted Heffner had the longest putt.

Meanwhile, Joe DiLorenzo took home the prestigious “Closest to the Mayor Kenneth Hopkins sign that’s dedicated to now popular Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, a one-time Johnston Panther and former coach at Rhode Island College who also played in the mighty-memorial event.