Ron Lesher, left, receives his prize for hitting a hole in one on the par 3 #15 from Kathy Bussman on Saturday. Submitted photo.
Last Saturday’s first fundraiser for the Kids For Sports Foundation was “A huge success,” according to Nancy Hewett, Executive Assistant at Wolf Creek Golf Course. The event astonishingly sold out in just two weeks, bringing golfers to Mesquite from all over the country and raising nearly $14,000 for the newly formed foundation that will help local children participate in sports.
Their mission statement is “To ensure all kids are given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of playing organized sports. We do this by helping remove financial and other barriers that prevent kids from participating in sports.” Having such a backing from the golf community is sure to bring a long and successful future for the foundation. The funds raised will provide for application fees, uniforms, sports gear and more once the application process is completed.
“We have an awesome team here at Wolf Creek,” said Kathy Bussman, Controller and HR Director at Wolf Creek. “Our valet staff even donated their tips for the day to the foundation.”
Fundraisers wouldn’t be complete without the many volunteers they require. Last Saturday’s event was no exception, as, from left to right, Bob Shively, Councilman Rich Green, John Williams and Bill Hurd all pitched in to help with course activities and/or donations to the foundation. Submitted photo.
With about 144 participants in this tournament, plenty of locals also walked away with wins of their own.
Allison Webb of Mesquite took the award for closest to the pin for women while Sheryl Warfield, also of Mesquite, hit the longest drive. Men’s awards were won by Tim Carroll of Conway, Ark. for closest to the pin and Mike Karuchak of Las Vegas for longest drive.
There was even a hole in one recorded on the par three #15 by Ron Lesher from Fort Collins, Colo. He used his pitching wedge for the 106-yard shot.
Other locals making notable wins were the team from Ken Garff Mesquite Ford, who took the Men’s Team First Place award with a score of 56. The team consisted of Mike Heath, Dave Heath, Austin Szatlocky and Erik Hovey.
The Par Tee Girls took first place for the Women’s Team event Saturday. Submitted photo.
“Par Tee Girls” took first place for the Women’s Team, with the team of Tammy Warnke, Marty Rapson, Cean Weber and Deana Hardy earning bragging rights for their combined score of 60.
Other prizes and raffles were offered throughout the course. Many of the players were impressed by the amount of amenities they enjoyed both on and off the course. Several of the holes welcomed golfers with food, such as a prime rib sandwich buffet, while others offered raffles and contests. “We had a 50/50 raffle out on the golf course that generated $640 which was split between the foundation and the lucky winner,” added Bussman.
Mesquite is no stranger to fundraisers and the like, but the results from this one are sure to set some high standards for the future. The next scheduled fundraiser for the Kids For Sports Foundation is set for May 2, 2015 with a Spring Wine Fest at the Terrace Restaurant at Wolf Creek.
Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to the KFS Foundation can contact Kathy Bussman at 702-345-6710. The foundation is a non-profit 501( c)3 organization started by co-owners Chad and Cory Clementson who challenged their employees to ‘do more’ for the community.
