NOVUS Joins Project 34 at its Second Annual Golf Tournament
Members of the NOVUS team took to the green at the Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, Ariz. on January 29 for the Second Annual Project 34 Golf Classic. After working with the non-profit on a previous clothing line launch, NOVUS was excited to create another line and connect with founders Cory Hahn and Trevor Williams at the tournament.
From left to right: Nick Bernardo, Trevor Williams, Cory Hahn, Garrett Bernardo, Dan Jason, and Sean Finan.
Project 34, founded by Hahn and Williams, supports individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by a spinal cord injury. After suffering a spinal cord injury in his freshman season at Arizona State University, Hahn and roommate Williams wanted to do what they could to positively impact others going through similar situations. The friends co-founded Project 34 and both ended up in the big leagues, with Hahn working as a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Williams pitching for the New York Mets.
NOVUS Clothing Company is proud to work with such an amazing organization that supports individuals with spinal cord injuries through assistance purchasing medical equipment and assistive devices as well as providing grants to help afford physical therapy.
Attending the golf tournament gave the team an opportunity to connect with Hahn, Williams, and other friends NOVUS has made along its journey making custom apparel.
“We had an unbelievable time getting to meet Cory Hahn and the team behind Project 34 and spending quality time with Trevor,” NOVUS CEO and Creative Director Garrett Bernardo said. “We also got to meet Matt Balogh from Nomadic Baseball for the first time after working together for a number of years outfitting his programs.”
The golf tournament provided NOVUS an opportunity to meet new people, showcase the Project 34 collection, and support the non-profit.
“It was fun to showcase our product line for Project 34 and tell people about our story and what we are doing,” Bernardo said.
“It was amazing to see hundreds of people come out to support the organization and collaborate to help raise over $60,000 to aid people with spinal cord injuries,” NOVUS Operations Director Dan Jason added.
While enjoying a great day of golf was notable, meeting Cory Hahn in person was the highlight for the NOVUS members in attendance.
“Hearing Cory speak about the foundation and seeing how much enthusiasm he has for life was profound. He showed what ‘claim your crown’ looks like in real life,” Jason said. “Overcoming adversity and making a difference in the lives of others is what Cory is about and it’s why we at NOVUS exist. It doesn't get much better than that.”
Meeting Hahn was impactful for Bernardo as well, especially after working with him virtually in the past.
“Meeting Cory was by far the best part of the trip,” Bernardo said. “He is the same age as Nick and I and to see what he is doing with his platform despite a circumstance that most people would be devastated by, he is using it to serve. He was inspiring and I really look forward to getting to know him more as our partnership grows.”
On top of meeting the man behind the incredible non-profit, the team played on the course alongside other major league athletes.
“We actually ended up golfing alongside Cody Bellinger, Cole Tucker, and a few other big leaguers who we’ve been connected through by mutual friends and former teammates,” Bernardo said.
NOVUS is excited to continue working with Project 34 to create great custom apparel that supports an amazing cause.
“We hope to get further involved with P34 as their team and presence grows in baseball and beyond,” Bernardo said. “Helping raise support through events, product launches, and content is where we will spend our energy to keep growing this amazing foundation.”
To learn more about Project 34 and its mission, visit projectthirtyfour.com. To keep up with the organization's events, follow them on Instagram and Twitter.