Fore a good cause

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

The Strathmore Golf Club raised money for future projects, while finding a way to give back to the community, when they hosted their third annual silent auction April 15.

The event, which is the golf club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, was established to help enhance the appearance of the course and help three local charities that host their yearly tournament at SGC.

“Each year it continues to get bigger and better,” said Morris Groves, Assistant General Manager at the SGC. “The membership base and even the community itself kind of have it on their radar that it’s something that happens every spring. Even before we post it, people are asking ‘hey, when is that silent auction?’

“It’s a way to kick off spring – obviously this year, everyone is so tired of winter.”

A portion of the proceeds will go towards Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Children’s Make-a-Wish Foundation and Victim Services.

According to Groves, the community support for this silent auction is huge.

“Obviously if we didn’t have a lot of the big-ticket items from the community, then it’s tough to raise the money,” said Groves. “Our membership (is important) because they support a lot of those local businesses.”

In the past, money raised went towards building the deck on the back of the clubhouse. This year’s fund will be allocated a little differently.

“We’ve got a volunteer committee that we developed now, so that’s going to help us … dictate where our portion of the funds will go,” he said. “We have some course improvements. Something high on our priority list is to really improve the entry way. Obviously that is something everyone in the community – whether they play golf or not – drive by, so we’re looking to enhance that.”

The next major event for the golf club, besides the actual opening of the course, is the 2011 Fore the Kids Fundraiser Scramble.

This four-person scramble, which was originally the Cattlemen’s Tournament, will take place Friday, May 20 with a 3 p.m. shotgun.

The tournament is open to players of all levels and has no golf handicap requirements.

All proceeds from the tournament will go toward helping youth in need access the game of golf.

The entry, which includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, driving range, dinner and great prizes is just $100 for non-members and $80 for members. 

Call the Pro Shop at 403-934-2299 to register your team or to sign up as a single, two-some or threesome.