What a day for Golf!
Staff spent the days leading up to the tournament, watching the first predicted rain storm in months, oscillate between Friday, Saturday, and then thankfully, land on Sunday. Friday was a gorgeous day for Golf. The smoke had begun to clear, the wind was light, the temperatures weren’t too hot, and the beer was cold.
Sponsored by Blade Chevrolet, this was the 22nd year of our Golf Tournament, a fundraiser to benefit the over 1,700 youth the Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County serve. Aside from the tournament itself, lots of fun games were added, giving golfers a opportunity to show off their skill, as well as up the ante and generate more funds for the Clubs.
At the Designated Driver hole, golfers could purchase a chance at a “sweet drive.” Jay Factor saved the day and volunteered at the last minute to be our guy to land the ball on the green for our tournament players. It also happened to be a great place to rest, while Jay did all the hard work, get a photo, and enjoy a cold Boundary Bay Beer.
We had a great group of volunteers this year. Dale & Elaine of the Foresters of Skagit County, who volunteer every year, were back at the 2 North for the Hole in One and Closest to the Pin contests, deftly dodging wayward drives. We had groups from Burlington & Bellingham Kohl’s, Planet Fitness, Gap, Skagit Valley Marine Corps, and Old Navy helping out all over the course, and Becky Taft and Bekki Cox—who skillfully taxied guests around the track in their favorite high-powered RTVs. Rhonda Tingley from SaviBank and Danita Gilbert cheerfully helped with registration and the folks from Rotary Club of Burlington put on a wonderful lunch. Our teens were on hand to help shoulder the load of golf clubs up from the parking lot, and Mary Staley & Pat Barrett of Barrett Financial Community Caring Project, made sure that everyone stayed hydrated and had plenty of protein snacks.
There are many more that made this tournament a delight. A special thanks to the sponsors who underwrite the cost of putting on this event, and to everyone that came out to golf. Because of your support, we were able to generate $58,450 in funds for our Clubs! Congrats to Craig Crawford’s Team who won Lowest Gross, and to Skagit Transportation, and The Drain Doctor who won free entry into next year’s Tournament with their Lowest Net scores.
As awards were given at the end of the day, Matt Lehman, of Heritage Bank, was a good sport, as he offered back his prize for winning the Putting Contest back to the Club as a donation “Fore the Kids.” Matt was having so much fun, that although previous arrangements had been made, at his request, to lead the crowd in a “SEA-HAWKS” Cheer, that when encouraged to do so, Matt was so wrapped up in the excitement, that he shouted with glee, “I LOVE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB.” We love you too, Matt.
Be sure to check out all the fun photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHsm6xkgc4