Avista golf tourney helps out Sanders 4-H clubs

THOMPSON FALLS - Saturday marked the fourth annual Avista Charity Golf Tournament. This year, the tournament benefited the youth of Sanders County 4-H clubs. 4-H “is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching about 25,000 young people in Montana every year,” according to a press release.

Avista Corp., an energy company that provides electric services and natural gas to the community, hosts this annual event, picking a new charity in the county to benefit every year.  This year focusing its efforts on Sanders County 4-H, where around 180 youth within the county are motivated to work together, be in charge of their own projects and help set and obtain their goals. 

Sarah Naegeli, co-chair of the event said that the money will go to help buy project books for the kids, help send them to 4-H Congress and National Congress for events, help train leaders, as well as a many other things. 

George Krueger, member of Avista, said that a new record will be set this year, and indeed it was, with a grand total of over $16,000, with a $3,000 match from the Avista Foundation.

“This year was the first year the tournament was filled,” said Krueger. “It’s getting better every year.”

“Sanders County 4-H, who helped with fundraising the tournament, was key to the overwhelming success this year,” said Swant. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to the event made organizing it easy, and resulted in our best year yet in terms of funds raised.”

This year there were 72 golfers, consisting of 18 teams with four people per team.

“The Sanders County 4-H community, from Heron to Lonepine, has been excitedly working on the tournament,” said Meghan Phillippi, MSU 4-H Extension Agent in Sanders County. “Members and leaders have been busy securing sponsors and prizes, which we hope will help to make a great experience for the golfers. Everyone is very appreciative of this opportunity to raise additional funds to support 4-H and create opportunities for the youth of Sanders County.”

Registration for the event filled quickly and other fundraising included a silent auction at the Thompson Falls Public Library and at Rocky Mountain Bank in Plains. The silent auction included donated packages and items, including resort stays, passes to golf courses and memberships to local athletic clubs, among others. Mulligan tickets were also available for sale at the tournament.

Dinner was also available and included pulled pork and chicken.

The top three winning teams shared prizes of $500, $250, and $100 respectively.

The winning teams were as follows: 

Men’s Division:

First place with a score of 57: Kevin Sparks, Kelly Kovarik, Mike Baxter, and Ryan Ostwald; 

Second place with a score of 61: Lance Pavlik, Henry Kazmierczak, Scott Pardee, and David Patteys; 

Third place with a score of 62: John Mosher, Rick Hagadorn, Randy Hagadorn, Mike Gillmore. 

Co-ed Division:

First place with a score of 61: Gary Thompson, Jan Thompson, Wayne Poirer, and Carol Poirer; 

Second place with a score of 70: Bruce Sorenson, Cecile Sorensen, Jerri Marshall, and Jenny Edmonds; 

Third place with a score of 75: Darcy Evans, Cory Evans, Bonnie Evans, and Angela Routt. 

Women’s Division:

First place with a score of 69 points: Kim Sparks, Lorrie Wood, Chris Gross, and Lana Nolen; 

Second place with a score of 73: Annie Wooden, Doree Thilmony, Sarah Fairbank, and Katrina Nygaard.

Pin Prizes:

Men’s closest to the pin hole: Ryan Ostwald

Men’s longest putt hole: Sean Kelly

Women’s longest putt hole: Tessa Vogel

Women’s longest drive hole: Jan Thompson.