Kiwanis golf for charity

Laughter and cheers were abundant on Saturday, June 2, when more 218 golfers, 50 sponsors and 45 volunteer Kiwanis members, Key Club members and friends played in the annual charity Sisters Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament at Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

New in this year's tournament was "Chip it in for Bill Dakin on Hole No. 9," a game in memory of Lifetime Kiwanian, Willard "Bill" Dakin, who passed away earlier this year on January 6 due to complications of congestive heart failure and myleofibrosis. 

Bill Dakin was a natural athlete and avid skier, but he worked hard for every yard he earned in the game of golf. On a sunny day last year, one of the last times Bill played golf, Bill was again working hard to lower his score.

Stepping up to the tee at Hole No. 9, Bill hit a good drive and followed with a good fairway shot, placing himself within 120 yards of the green with only two strokes. Standing in the fairway, Bill approached his ball. He addressed the ball, readdressed the ball, meditated over the ball, aimed and fired. The ball hooked up into the sky, landed on the green and rolled into the cup from 120 yards out! He was elated. Everyone did a dance. It was Bill's last best shot.

It was in memory of Lifetime Kiwanian and friend, Bill Dakin, and that wonderful day that Sisters Kiwanis offered the opportunity to all tournament golfers to chip it in like Bill on Hole No. 9 and win some cash.

The day started off with a cool drizzle, but by the time golfers arrived, the rain had passed and the day was marked with some cool breezes and clouds. Some hard gusts of wind moved a few balls in the air. Two golfers chipped it in on Hole No. 9 to the cheers of all!

Bill's widow Gretchen Dakin was in attendance, helping with the sale of raffle tickets and celebrating Bill's memory and love of golf.

"Bill played this tournament every year and with his sons, too. He would have loved this," Gretchen said.

Sisters Kiwanis also remembered Perry Law, son-in-law of lifetime Kiwanian Tom Worcester and husband to his daughter. Perry lost his life in a motorcycle accident. "Share the Road!" was the message from his family, who noted that he will be greatly missed.

Sisters Kiwanis Club and Ray's Food Place host the annual event.

Proceeds will go directly to support local programs, including youth

scholarships.

Photos from the tournament as well as winners and sponsors can be viewed at www.SistersKiwanis.org.