Golfers play for a cause at Aspen Lakes

Although the weather was less than perfect for the annual Ray's Food Place-Sisters Kiwanis Charitable Funds Golf Tournament, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the golfers.

The event is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Sisters Kiwanis and returned to Aspen Lakes Golf Course after last year's absence. There was a general consensus among the players and organizers that it is much better to hold the tournament locally.

"We are really glad to get it back local at Aspen Lakes. We were happy to work with the Cyruses to see it happen," said Jeff McDonald, manager of Sisters Ray's Food Place.

The Starry Nights Benefit Concert Series changed the night of its sponsors show for the series' second concert of the year, "A Songwriters Evening with Vince Gill and Friends," from Saturday to Friday to accommodate the many Starry Night supporters who either play or help with the charity tournament (see related story, page 1).

This change made it possible for individuals to both participate in or assist with the golf tournament and also attend the concert.

In addition to strong local support, the tournament attracts many players from far and wide. There were contingents from throughout Oregon, and some came from as far away as California.

"There are a lot of local folks playing in it and a lot of vendors from Ray's. Some of the folks from our (Ray's) corporate offices are also here. There are 240 golfers here today. We filled the tournament up. We are really excited about that," said McDonald.

Aspen Lakes donated the use of the course for the fund-raising event, providing one of the largest contributions to the event.

"We are thrilled to have it back here. Last year, it was at River's Edge, and when we had an opportunity to give something back to the community, we thought it was just great," said Derick Johnson, head golf professional at Aspen Lakes.

A large number of businesses as well as individuals pitched in to make the event a success. A $10,000 check was offered for a hole in one; however, there was no lucky winner and the prize went unclaimed.

The event was so large that it took over the whole course and necessitated a double shotgun start, one that teed off at 7:30 a.m. and another that started at 1:30 p.m. The parking lot was overfilled, making it a challenge to find a parking place within close walking distance for the golfers who were in the second group.

The charity golf tournament has raised significant monies in past years, and this year should be no exception. It is the only large influx of money that the Sisters Kiwanis receives during the year, and it forms the major part of the the club's budget for giving.

"This year, of course, we need to wait to see until we are done, but we hope it will be around $25,000. That is pretty big for us," said McDonald.

The money that is raised by this event all goes to meet the needs of the local area.